protein

Follow these guidelines when handling meat:

Clean: Wash hands, utensils and surfaces often with hot soapy water.

Separate: Keep raw meat and juices from contacting other raw or cooked foods.

Here’s what the label can tell you:

❁ Whole raw chicken may be cost less per pound but some parts have little meat.

❁ Large bulk packages of pieces may be cheaper per pound than smaller packages.

❁ Boneless, skinless pieces cost more but save time and have the least waste.

❁ Tofu is usually in a refrigerated case. It may be packed in water or vacuum packed without water. There are also shelf-stable packages that do not need refrigeration until opened.

❁ Choose eggs that have been kept refrigerated. Refrigeration helps maintain egg quality and safety.

❁ Open the carton and check that the eggs are clean and not cracked.

❁ Uncooked (dried) lentils are inexpensive. Purchase them pre-packaged or from bulk bins.

❁ Cooked lentils are available canned or frozen but may cost more. Rinse canned lentils under fresh water to lower the sodium content.

❁ Dried and canned beans are great food to keep on hand. You may want to stock up when they are on sale.

❁ Dried beans are usually cheaper than canned beans but take longer to cook. Canned beans are fully cooked and ready to use cold or heated.