Eliminate Food Waste With Simple Recipes

We Can Reduce Food Waste

Americans waste food. According to an article in Forbes, the USDA has determined that people waste, on average, nearly a pound of food per day.  Another article states that, on average, Americans waste more than 20 pounds of food per person per month (Amy Palanjian "12 Ways To Use Food Waste"). Whether it is a pound a day or 20 pounds a month that is not acceptable. According to the USDA, In 2017 an estimated 1 in 8 Americans were food insecure. Wasting food when so many others are hungry is a shame. There are steps we can take to reduce this waste. We can make the most of groceries, reduce waste, and save money by making simple changes in our routines. 

Darkening Bananas

Bananas that are overripe can be used in banana bread, smoothies, or a banana “ice cream”.  Read my recipe for Banana Soft Serve. Banana peels can be used for a tooth whitener and can help ward off pests in the garden. Read more about uses for banana peels here.

Herb Stems and Vegetable Stems

Herb and vegetable stems can be used in a variety of ways. Parsley, basil, and carrot tops make great pesto. Beet and kohlrabi stems/leaves are great sautéed. Read my recipe for Carrot Green Pesto and Savory Beet Greens.

“Portions of this post was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

 

Reduce Food Waste

Did you know that more than 30% of all of the food grown in the USA is wasted? 

One Solution: Promote Produce's Taste and Nutrient Value, Not the Look

We can LITERALLY make applesauce out of apples or jam out of irregularly shaped strawberries. In February of 2018 NPR had a story about a Netflix Chef named David Chang whose show Ugly Delicious teaches people how to turn ugly produce into culinary delights.

I make applesauce/fruit sauce out of imperfect fruit. My peach sauce recipe is attached here.  I make chia jam out of imperfect fruit too. My berry chia jam recipe is attached here.

In August of 2018 Forbes published an article by Andria Cheng which looks into the issue of retailers throwing away food because it does not "look" good.

People need to celebrate food for its nutrients and flavor. Picture perfect produce can be used on a fruit or vegetable platter. Produce that is misshapen can be used as ingredients in dishes which bring out the flavor and nutrients rather than the appearance of the product. Celebrate nature and its variety.

Plant a garden or cultivate a plant depending on the space you have. You can teach your children, neighbors, or coworkers about how great the food is when you share with them what you grow, even if it is not picture perfect. Start with your circle of influence. Convince them and they will begin to spread the message.

For more information visit Delicious Living