Grocery shoppers have the intention of using up all of the groceries they buy. However, most of us have had to throw food away before it has been eaten up because of spoilage. Here are some tips to help reduce food waste.
Fresh produce is one of the first things to spoil in a refrigerator. So, turn it into a hash! Chop leftover veggies, beans, and meat and sauté it in a pan. Add an egg and avocado for extra creaminess.
Or, blend up those veggies! Add any veggies, such as peppers, tomatoes, asparagus, zucchini, and corn. Then, add some olive oil and blend it. You will have a delicious, healthy soup that you can freeze for later use.
You can also freeze fruits. If those bananas are overripe or the peaches are too soft, cut them up, and freeze them. They make great additions to pudding, oatmeal, and smoothies.
Store properly. Fresh fruits and vegetables each have their own preference on how to store them best based on the humidity levels and temperature. For more storage tips, visit: https://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/veggie-bites/ and select the food item you would like to learn more about. Fruits and vegetables release ethylene, which can help some foods spoil faster. Keep them separated (fruits and vegetables) for longer-lasting produce.
Check your crisper drawer settings. Sensitive produce that tends to rot easier should be in a low humidity setting. Greens and anything that can lose moisture quickly are best stored in a high humidity setting. Generally, fruits like low humidity and vegetables like high.