Cutting back on wastage

Shockingly nearly a third of all food produced is wasted and not surprisingly fruit and veg account for the largest portion. Food waste does not only means that you are out of pocket, but the costs of production, packaging, shipping and waste management, both financially and in terms of energy use, are huge. However, it does not have to be this way. If you’re already doing your bit to prevent food wastage, then keep up the good work. But if you know that you can be guilty of throwing away some fruit and veg each week, try the following ideas:

• Plan your meals. If you know what you’re going to make each week, you know how much fruit and veg you need to buy.
• Try using frozen and tinned fruit and veg as an alternative to fresh. They are still a good source of nutrients and in fact when fruit and veg are frozen, this locks in their vitamins, so they can actually be a better option than fresh versions, as who knows how long ago it was they were harvested.
• Store your fruit and veg appropriately to prolong its life. Many last longer if placed in the fridge, though there are exceptions. Potatoes, onions and squash all keep best stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Nectarines, peaches, plums, pears, avocadoes and unripe bananas should be kept at room temperature. Although apples, apricots, figs and melon should be refrigerated, they release ethylene which hastens ripening of other fruits, so they are best kept separately.
• If you do find that you have cooked too much veg, could it perhaps be used in a meal the next day? What about making a veggie soup or adding it to a stew or curry? Or doing the traditional thing with leftover veg by making bubble and squeak?
•  If fruit has gone soft, it can still be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whiz up banana and berries with some fruit juice, milk or natural yoghurt to make a smoothie. Apples, plums, blackberries or any fruit for that matter could be turned into a crumble or pie. Pears poached in red wine are also nice.
•  Invest in a composter. Should you find that despite your best intentions some fruit or veg has gone off, it can go along with the peelings and generate some compost for your garden. This is a far better option than sending it off to landfill.