I don't know how many of you were as sceptical as me when you heard this. I don't disagree that the news is good, but what I would like to know is which shop do they go to? When I do my shopping, I see no evidence of any decrease in prices - and in fact the increases seem a lot higher than 13.1% in many of the things which I buy.
Every time I go shopping, everything as increased and not just a few cents here and there. It seems impossible to buy weekly staples without handing out huge wads of cash, and that does not include anything I regard as a luxury - like 2-ply toilet paper!
But hope is here! I certainly won't be sharing this with Statistics South Africa, because when they find out I have found a way save 92%, they will come out with new data showing inflation is actually -5%!
What is my new inflation beating secret? Sprouting!
I bought a packet of mixed sprouting seeds (5 different kinds) for R10.40 at The Wellness Centre in Kloof Road. I rushed home and started.
No fancy equipment is needed - you do not need the R800 sprouting machine. All you need is a large glass bottle (I don't throw out tins or bottles, but always save them for re-use or recycling), secondly you need a piece of fabric (I cut off a square from an old stained table runner) and lastly an elastic band (you can get these free at your bank, if you ask nicely).
So we still have only spent R10.40!
How is works:
Day 1 - Soak the seeds over night in your bottle.
Day 2 (morning) - Rinse the seeds, pour off the water and place the fabric on the top and secure with the elastic band. Place this in a cool dark cupboard.
Day 2 (evening) - Rinse the seeds, pour off the water and place the fabric on the top and secure with the elastic band. Place this in a cool dark cupboard.
This is how they look at the end of Day 2
Day 3 (morning) - Rinse the seeds, pour off the water and place the fabric on the top and secure with the elastic band. Place this in a cool dark cupboard.Day 3 (evening) - Rinse the seeds, pour off the water and place the fabric on the top and secure with the elastic band. Place this in a cool dark cupboard.
This is how they look at the end of Day 3
Day 4 (morning) - Rinse the seeds, pour off the water and place the fabric on the top and secure with the elastic band. Place this in a cool dark cupboard.
Day 4 (evening) - Take out the sprouts, rinse and then drain them on a kitchen towel and store in the fridge for use.
Day 4 - Wotalotigot!
This is how easy it it to grow your own sprouts. Just make sure that the seeds you buy are sprouting quality - usually those in the health food section will be your best bet.My fresh sprouts in our supper salad!
If you have children this is a great activity to do together.
Rosemary Gough
1 comment:
I also approach this sort of "good" news with great scepticism. The figures don't say that the prices are actually going down, they just show that they prices are rising (fractionally!) more slowly! I find fairly common foods to have become ridiculously expensive when I go home for visits - I'm quite shocked. And crazy stuff - like can somebody explain to me why in London the green, yellow, orange and red bell peppers all cost the same, but in SA you pay this GIGANTIC premium for anything but green??
Love the home made sprouts! I may have to try your "recipe" because they simply don't sell sprouts in the supermarkets in the UK. It's probably some weird health & safety rule...!
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