When winter sets in, weather is highly unpredictable, this affects the markets and thereby the supply of food. Knowing what to buy before market closes is essential in preparing yourself for those winter days when there is nothing available in the market. When you have a good stock of food at home, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your food at home.

Here is a list of 7 things to stock up before market closes, these items are essentials that can be stocked safely for many days. Learn how to stock up essentials to relish food in chill winters.

1. Potatoes
Potatoes are essential foods to keep at home. Store them in paper bags preferably in a dark place or a cabinet. They can be stored for a couple of weeks. Store loads of it and use them in many ways. Do not forget to check them often, they develop sprouts very soon and you should use the sprouted ones first to avoid wastage.

2. Onions
Onions can be stored for several weeks in pantry and even longer when stored in refrigerator. Buy onions that have dry paper like skin, are hard and yellow in color.

3. Squash
Pumpkins, butternuts and acorns are safe to store for several weeks. You can probably store them throughout the winter season without spoiling. Keep them for emergencies, when there is nothing to eat, you will thank God for making a food like squash.

4. Root vegetables
Keep carrots, beets, radish, parsnips and any other root vegetable of your choice. Trim the greens and store them in vegetable drawer in refrigerator.

5. Apples
Apple is a good fruit to store in fridge. Buy the ones that would stay longer and store in fridge.

6. Cruciferous vegetables

Cabbage can be stored upto 2 months while cauliflower and broccoli can be stored for few weeks. Buy a good quantity of cabbage and few cauliflowers for your stock.

7. Garlic
Garlic can also be stored for few weeks like onions. Storing a small quantity will help seasoning winter dishes like hot soups and stews.

While space is a constraint in every pantry, first store essentials in plenty and then stuff the fridge and store with other important foods. Do remember not to stock much of items that perish within a few days. Now that you know what to buy before market closes, stocking up will be pretty easy and there will be less wastage. On the whole, you will have enough food to enjoy at home.

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