6 Ways to Save Your Fresh Food Before it Goes to Waste
Food waste is a major issue in our country. In the U.S., 38% of all food goes unsold or uneaten. Food waste is responsible for 8% of all global carbon emissions and is one of the largest contributors to landfill waste. By being mindful of which items in your kitchen are about to spoil, we can significantly reduce food waste and make a positive impact.
Here are some easy and effective ways to use common perishable ingredients before they spoil, helping you save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
Transform Overripe Tomatoes into Delicious Recipes
Transform Overripe Tomatoes into Delicious Recipes
Soft tomatoes are perfect for turning into flavorful dishes. Roast them in the oven for a smoky salsa, or blister them in a skillet to add a burst of flavor to pasta. You can also cook them down into a rich and savory tomato sauce.
Maximize the Use of Spinach
Maximize the Use of Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-dense superfood that spoils quickly. Keep it fresh by incorporating it into a variety of dishes. Add it to pizzas, pastas, grilled sandwiches, or soups. You can also mix it with fruits and freeze it for convenient smoothie packs!
Get Creative with Eggs
Get Creative with Eggs
Eggs have a longer shelf life but don’t last forever. Use excess eggs to whip up a quick frittata or quiche. They’re great for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and provide an excellent opportunity to use up other leftovers that may be in your refrigerator. And, if you absolutely cannot use them immediately, eggs can be frozen for future use!
4. Make the Most of Your Bread
For those who use a couple of slices of bread here and there, freezing the remainder of the loaf can keep it fresh until it’s needed. For bread types like baguettes or artisanal loaves, try turning them into croutons, bread pudding, a strata, or homemade breadcrumbs.
5. Use Up Milk Before It Sours
Milk can be unpredictable and wasting it can be a costly mistake. Before milk goes sour, use it to make comforting homemade dishes like macaroni and cheese, creamy soups, or add a little rice, a few spices and some sugar for an awesome homemade rice pudding. For a quick treat, make a chocolate pudding or try your hand at making homemade ricotta.
6. Revitalize Limp Carrots
Carrots can become limp and rubbery if left in the fridge too long. If you catch them before they get to that point, turn them into deliciously crunchy and tangy pickled carrots. Pickled carrots are great for snacking, but also make a great topper for tacos and nachos. Alternatively, roast them with your favorite spices for a sweet and savory side dish.
Understanding the Impact of Food Waste
While we can take steps to reduce waste in our own kitchens, it’s still estimated that 72 billion pounds of food are wasted annually. By making small changes like these, you can help reduce food waste and make a meaningful impact. One significant way to contribute to this effort is by participating in our Food Rescue Challenge. By joining the challenge and donating, you can help us rescue 5 billion pounds of food every year, creating a hunger-free future for all.
Test Your Food Waste Knowledge
Curious about how much you know about food waste? Take our fun ‘Waste It or Taste It’ quiz to test your knowledge and learn helpful tips to reduce waste in your kitchen. Challenge your friends to do the same!
