How not to Waste Food

There are few things in this world that really, really get under my skin- but one of them undeniably is wasting food.

Wasting Food=Wasting time and Money

It’s all fine and dandy to plan your meals and your groceries- but if you end up dumping much of what you buy in the garbage, you are certainly no further ahead.

Double Check

Before anything perishable gets into my cart, I check the expiry date.  I’m so neurotic about it that my kids have been doing the same from a very young age.

There is nothing more frustrating than getting an item home to find out that it’s already expired, or that its window for use is very small.

Another tip is to reach for the back or bottom of the pile- that is usually where the freshest items are stored.

Leftovers

Don’t throw it out if the meal is done! Even if you’ve only got a little bit of potatoes, veggies or meat, save it and use it either for lunch the next day, or sneak them into a casserole or soup.

Soup, particularly is a great way to use up leftovers and scraps, while contributing to flavour!

Organize your kitchen

The only way you are going to make sure that you use as much as you can of your food, is to know where everything is located.

Date and label items- and set up a system in your pantry, fridge and freezer, so that items to be used first are most visible.

Become a Storage Queen

Produce is a notorious spoiler.

Rotate produce so that fresh stuff is at the back, older stuff (and easier access) in the front.

Clean and cut veggies (like carrots, celery and the like) and store in a container with water to extend their life. Wash lettuce and bag with wet paper towels.

Store potatoes and onions out of the fridge, away from sunlight.

A number of fruits and veggies should be stored on countertops, like bananas, cucumbers, peppers and citrus fruits.