In another thread in which aukxsona described how incredibly thrfty she and her husband are, she said they gross $27,000 a year. It looks like part of that may be unreliable income as aukxsona has a number of projects for profit that she works on from home. But, ScrimpAndSave, would that make a difference to you in what recommendation you have for saving on food spending?
My suggestions to cut back on tea:
Dig Sassafras roots for tea. You can dig enough to store and the roots store very well. You can get more tea out of the roots by shaving them and using the shavings rather then just big chunks of the root. Some people who are clearing land to build, make a fence, etc would probably be happy to let you dig. If you've never done it before, you'll need a shovel and an ax or hatchet. Heavy duty loppers or a small pruning saw can help you cut off root pieces, too.
Collect rose hips. Makes a tart tea containing vitamin C. Also can be used to perk up your store bought black tea with lemony flavor. Can be used to extend the volume you get from your black tea,
Grow Fennel, Agastache tea ( Agastache foeniculum), and lemon balm With fennel, you can use the seeds or leaves for tea. The seeds retain their flavor for years. Crush seeds before using to get more out of less. If you grow the "bulbing" fennel, also called Finnocchio, you will have a delicious gourmet vegetable that is so good simmered in chicken broth. With Agastache, use the leave fresh and green; do not dry and store these leaves as they taste like crayons after dried. Lemon balm leaves are used fresh and green, though you might like them dried as well. Lemon balm likes to grow in a bit of shade, so right up against a house, shed or barn is great. Lemon balm is refreshing as an iced tea by itself, or can also extend and freshen your store bought black tea.
See if you can talk to a section manager or two where you grocery shop. If you can catch them at a time when they can listen, they might be happy to set aside mark downs for you personally when they have it, especially if they would be able to give you a call and have you show up at the store with in an hour or two. Really be personal and tell then your situation, as up front as you have here. Sometimes stores just need to get rid of food fast and if they know they have a customer for it, they will let it go hugely marked down. Otherwise it may very well hit the dumpster.
Please come, when you have time, to talk gardening in the gardening section that is sort of hidden in the Food, Recipes, and Coupons forum. I'd love to hear what are your most production, nutritious substantial foods you grow. I have always said that sweet potatoes would be one of my survival crops as they are so productive, nutritious, filling, and long-storing.
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