Reducing food waste: Keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for longer

Reducing food waste is essential for a sustainable lifestyle. By properly storing, freezing, and using up fresh produce, fruits and vegetables can last longer. A great book to explore this topic further is Eating for Pleasure, People & Planet by award-winning eco-chef Tom Hunt, offering practical tips on food sustainability.

Freezing fruits and vegetables

One of the easiest ways to prevent food waste is by freezing fresh produce before it spoils. While many fruits and vegetables can be frozen whole, prepping them beforehand makes them easier to use. Slice carrots, chop peppers, or hull strawberries before freezing. Fruits with stones, such as cherries or plums, should be pitted.

Most fruits, onions, and peppers can be frozen raw. Simply wash and dry them thoroughly before storing. Other vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, should be blanched first—boil for 2–5 minutes, then transfer to ice water to cool. Once drained and dried, spread them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container. Most frozen produce stays fresh for 8–12 months, though citrus fruit should be used within three months.

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Making the most of leftovers

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Small portions of leftover ingredients often go to waste. Planning meals in advance helps reduce this problem by ensuring every ingredient is used efficiently. Websites such as Love Food Hate Waste offer recipes based on available ingredients. Keeping the fridge organised also helps—store items that need to be used soon at the front to avoid forgetting them.

Creative ways to use up produce

Softening fruits and vegetables can still be used in smoothies, soups, or sauces. Blending overripe bananas into pancakes or roasting slightly wilted vegetables reduces waste while creating delicious meals. You can also make homemade chips from aging potatoes or create a veggie-packed frittata. These small actions not only help reduce food waste but also enhance your culinary creativity. A zero-waste life can definitely help your journey as a human, and the planet will thank you for sure. Embracing these practices can inspire sustainable living and connect you to more mindful eating habits.