There are many steps which I am taking in order to reduce the amount of food which I waste…
- Always take a shopping list – and avoid impulse-buying! Logically, planning meals in advance is an easy way to avoid buying items you don’t need / won’t use. Check your fridge and cupboards before you go and write a shopping list – this way you will not end up with 3 past-it peppers in the bottom of your fridge that you need to mop up after! Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach! This is guaranteed to increase the likelihood of impulse buying!
- Cook only what you need OR make extra portions for freezing or eating the next day. Aim to reduce your portion sizes – only cook what is needed. Wait 15 minutes to see if you are still hungry before heading back to the kitchen – you might be surprised at how full you feel. OR, plan extra portions to store or freeze for a rainy day!
- Improve storage methods. If you store food correctly, you will be able to add days, weeks or even months to your food shelf-life. Ensure dry foods are stored in air-tight containers to avoid moisture, freeze leftovers and remember that not all fruit and vegetables should be stored in the fridge.
- Freeze it. Most fruit, vegetables, cheese and prepared dishes can be easily frozen: Root veg can be blanched, then frozen. Ice-cubes can be made with herbs, citrus fruit juice or even bananas for use in the future.
- Watch and understand expiration dates. The ‘best-before’ and ‘use-by’ could mean the difference between emptying your fridge and cupboards to create a delicious meal or throwing away food that is still edible and tasty. Furthermore, most foodstuff (not fish or meat) are fine a few days after these dates – in fact, some cheese improve! (I just LOVE Brie that is oozing onto the plate when cut…).
- Compost it. Use the Council-provided food bins for your kitchen, then transfer to the garden compost.
- Plant your own herbs. Fresh herbs “on tap”, and they will not go limp if you do not do not use them immediately.
- Jams, preserves and piccalilli. Seasonal fruit and vegetables can be turned into a variety of exciting bottles and jars which can be easily stored for months or even years – look for new recipes online! (I may even add some to this blog in future!)
