Red Alert!

Meat prices are on the rise – here’s advice on better buying, clever cooking and smarter storage.

WE’RE in for a rough ride this year following South Africa’s downgrading to junk status and the devastating drought affecting many parts of the country.

Consumers will feel it in their pockets and we’re going to have to dig deep when it comes to buying food – especially red meat, which means it’s going to be much harder to fling our favourite juicy cuts on the shisanyama this year.

Beef prices are expected to rise by over 30 % due to the fact farmers are struggling to rebuild their herds after the three year drought. “This decrease in animals sent to the slaughter has led to a price hike of approximately 30 %, which is much higher than the year­on­year hike of between 5 % and 6 %,” according to the Red Meat Producers Organisation.

Yet there are ways to shop clever and eat smart. Sensible buying and storage and creative cooking can help make your money – and your meat – go further.

WHAT TO BUY 

Start thinking differently. Don’t limit yourself to beef and lamb when planning a braai or Sunday roast and go for pork, chicken or fish more often. Pork is a high­quality alternative and fish is a healthy option that helps your rand go further too.