Has anybody ever sat back and really thought about how much food is wasted each day? The food that is perfectly good to eat yet may look a bit sad.
I’ve been watching my waste recently. Throwing out that stalk of broccoli or that sad looking pepper. Shoving products in the bin such as a chocolate bar because it’s gone past its best before date. And, it wasn’t until I sat back and watched how much I waste that I really realised how silly it is. For those who don’t know about these dates, I shall explain!
- use by dates- this is the date that the product needs to be used by. Products such as chicken, yoghurts, pork etc.
- Best before dates- these are the products that “best before the date on the package”. However, after this date, the products can be used. The taste or texture may change but they are still fit for consumption.
If you buy meat and struggle to use it before the use by date, freeze on day of purchase. This almost acts like time standing still. The product will still be fit for consumption for a period of time and stops you wasting food, and money.
I’ve also started using up all food that looks a little sad and bits of veg that I normally would never use! I’ve made “scrappy soup” as I call it. With sad looking peppers, tomatoes, broccoli stalks etc. With added seasoning and a little bit of love, the sad veg and the bits destined for garbage heaven, become a lovely comforting meal. (You have to add crusty bread…it’s a must!!) Also, batch cooking and freezing is a fantastic way of reducing the wastage of food in your household and in turn, SAVES YOU MONEY! (can’t grumble at that, eh?)
So, go and check your fridge!! don’t throw your sad looking veggies away! Plan what you eat around what you buy and cut your wastage! Use up them bits in different meals such as pasta sauces, in a curry, or like i said, scrappy soup!!!
Enjoy your night! I’m off to bake some brownies! x
cookfoodandlovelife 