Fruit

I love any type of fruit...but they seem so expensive.  Is there anyway to buy them at a cheap store; I know that the frozen types are okay, but they never taste as good.  What do you guys do to solve this fruitless search:)

Fruits are cheapest when they're in season. Right now that's apples and pears (at least in the US). Strawberries are cheap in May/June, but you'll pay $4 a pound if you buy them in December.

There are some things I buy out of season, either because I really, really like them (like strawberries), or because there never seems to be much of a difference in price (like bananas). In general, though, I buy what's in season and/or on sale, both for price and because most fruits taste better when they're in season.

For some things (particularly for tropical/asian fruits) I've had pretty good luck going to asian/Indian/Mexican grocery stores. They're pretty much the only places to get a decent mango, for instance, and they tend to be a little cheaper. However, their produce sometimes doesn't seem to move as quickly and isn't as fresh, so I don't tend to buy things that I know I can get at a reasonable price elsewhere.

You might also look around for any farms in your area that either do you-pick or sell to the public. I live in AZ, and there are even places to go to get peaches and apples. The fruit from farms is not only very fresh, but usually tree- or vine-ripened, so it's very flavorful. Prices are usually lower than you'd find at the store, and it's a fun trip for an afternoon. The only drawback is that you tend to pick more than you can eat fresh, so either have a plan to freeze/can/give away some of your pickings, or pay close attention to how much fruit you're piling up!

Bananas are always available at low cost.  I pay .49 a pound at the little produce store and .79 a pound at the supermarket.  Citrus fruits are coming into season too.

Also, compare the expense with other snack items.  A package of cookies or a bag of chips is nearly $5 for a fraction of a pound.  A 3 pound bag of apples right now is $2.50. 

Look for the sales.  Walk around the produce aisle and compare the prices.

I also keep a few cans of pineapple and mandarin oranges on hand for times when I run out of fresh fruit.  You can look for sales on canned goods and get some really great prices. 

Most fresh fruit is priced by the pound.  If you try and find the smallest lightest fruits you can get a bunch for less.  But then you are stuck with small fruit.  I am in NY right now and at Wegmans most apples are 1.69 or 1.99 a pound.  I bought four this past Sunday...1.68 lb at 1.69 = 2.84.  Bananas at Wegmans are 49 cents a pound.  I agree the cheapest fruits are the ones that are in season.  You either have to deal with the cost or buy smaller fruits or less.

Thanks, I was just shocked at the price of some of the fruit that are sold at the local Jewel here...

Where are you located?  I know that in some areas of the USA and Canada produce tends to be higher priced.

But keep comparing it to the cost of those junky snacks and sweetened cereals - a box of brand name cereal is nearly $5.

I'm from Chicago, Illinois...