Food waste is bad for the environment and sends millions of tonnes of garbage to landfill sites every year. When you’re using fruit and veggies in the kitchen, it’s common for the leftover bits and pieces to make their way into the trash. Fruits that have been sitting out for too long also make up a large proportion of food wastage each year. So, here are some top tips to help you reduce food waste by keeping three of your favourite fruits and veggies fresher for longer.
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Keeping bananas fresh
The key to long like for bananas is keeping them out of the fridge and isolated from other fruits. Apples and pears release ethylene gas, which causes bananas to ripen more quickly. If your bananas are too ripe when you buy them, slice them up and get them in the freezer. You can then add them to smoothies to make them extra creamy and rich in potassium! Banana is also perfect for shakes, so if you think your bunch is on the turn, chop them up and get creative in the kitchen.
What about avocados?
Although a superfood, avocados are notoriously expensive, so it’s important not to let them go to waste! If you’re not careful, they can go from rock-solid to mush without skipping a beat. But the key to success with avocados is allowing them to ripen at room temperature before placing them in the fridge. This will keep them fresher for longer. If you want your avos to ripen more quickly, add them to a paper bag with a banana or apple and let the ethylene do its thing. Once you’ve cut your avocados, leave the stone in as this will keep them fresh, but you should really try and use them within 24 hours.
And celery?
While not universally loved, celery is a superfood with a low glycemic index. It’s high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals and offers a unique texture and taste. But if you’re not careful with how you store it, celery will go bad fairly quickly. If you have bought a whole bunch of celery, wrap its root in a paper towel and place it all in a bag. You should then press as much air out as possible before sealing it. Once you’ve chopped your celery, drop it into an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Also, don’t forget to keep the base, as you can easily grow more celery. Thanks to its undisputed health benefits, celery is an awesome veggie to include in your morning smoothie and pairs particularly well with broccoli and some delicious fruits.
One of the most important things to remember when trying to reduce food waste is to store your fruit and veggies properly. If you follow the tips above, you should get more use out of these superfoods and enjoy their benefits for longer.
