This article will help provide some simple, easy-to-implement tips on how to avoid food waste and save money while helping to save the environment.
In the UK alone we throw away nearly 10 million tonnes of food waste each year, which could feed 10 million people. It costs consumers a shocking £19bn.
With 8.4 million reportedly in food poverty, this could be eradicated if as a country, we could learn to manage our food systems.
We’re all feeling the pinch, what with inflation and rising food and energy costs, so what can we do to help reduce our food waste and save money on our shopping bills?
Have you ever opened your fridge to find wilted lettuce, mouldy fruit, or spoiled milk? It’s a frustrating waste of money. By learning how to make fresh food last longer, you can save hundreds of pounds each year. Reducing food waste is crucial, not just for your wallet but also for the environment.
What Causes Food to Spoil?
Food spoilage is a natural process caused by the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These organisms thrive in environments where food is exposed to moisture, warmth, and air. Enzymatic reactions within the food itself also contribute to spoilage.
The Role of Bacteria and Fungi
Bacteria and fungi are the main culprits behind food spoilage. They break down the organic matter in food, leading to decomposition. It’s nature’s way of returning what isn’t used into the soil and the ecosystem.
What Can We Do to Avoid Food Waste?
The simple answer is to keep food fresh for longer. It not only saves money but helps protect the environment by requiring less energy for storage and distribution.
Let’s dive into some practical tips and tricks to help you preserve your food and keep it fresh for as long as possible.
Here are 10 easy, proven, and effective methods to extend the shelf life of your groceries:
1. Proper Storage Techniques
- Fruits and Vegetables: Store fruits and vegetables separately as some fruits emit ethylene gas that can cause vegetables to spoil faster. Use breathable produce bags for vegetables and keep fruits in a fruit bowl or preferably in the fridge.
- Leafy Greens: Wash, dry thoroughly, and store in airtight containers with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Herbs: Treat fresh herbs like flowers by placing the stems in a jar of water, covering them loosely with a plastic bag, and storing them in the fridge.
2. Utilise Your Freezer
- Freezing: Freeze fruits, vegetables, bread, and meat if you can’t consume them before they spoil. Use freezer bags and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Blanching: This is a technique involving fast boiling vegetables and draining. Blanch vegetables before freezing to preserve their colour, texture, and nutrients.
3. Temperature Management
- Fridge temperature: Keep your fridge at the right temperature (preferably 5°C or below). For maximum efficiency, store items in the appropriate sections: meat on the bottom shelf, dairy in the middle, and fruits and vegetables in the crisping drawers.
- Room Temperature: Some items like tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and garlic are best when kept out of the fridge because they last longer when stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight.
4. Containers and Packaging
- Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store leftovers and perishable items. Glass containers are preferable as they are non-porous and won’t absorb odours.
- Vacuum Sealing: Invest in a cheap vacuum sealer to extend the shelf life of foods by removing air from packaging, which slows down spoilage.
5. Drying and Pickling
- Drying: Dehydrate fruits, vegetables, and herbs to make them last longer. It sounds like a bit of a faff but you can use a dehydrator or an oven on a low setting.
- Pickling and Fermenting: Pickle vegetables in vinegar or ferment them to extend their shelf life while adding flavour.
6. Rotation and Labelling
- First In, First Out (FIFO): Rotate your food so that older items are used first. This reduces the likelihood of food expiring before use.
- Labelling: Label containers with the date of storage to keep track of freshness. Some cheap and simple stickers and a biro are all you need.
7. Consider Buying Some Life-extending Products
- Freshness Extenders: Consider using freshness extenders like ethylene gas absorbers or beeswax wraps to keep produce fresh longer.
- Silica Packs: Place silica gel packs in cupboards to reduce humidity and prevent items like nuts and grains from going stale.
8. Optimised Purchasing
- Buy in Season: Purchase fruits and vegetables that are in season as they are fresher and last longer.
- Smaller Quantities: Buy perishable items in smaller quantities more frequently to ensure you use them while they’re still fresh.
- Check sell-by dates when buying: It’s easy to forget to check sell-by dates on items in the supermarket, especially when we’re in a hurry, but a quick check can be the best way to help reduce the chances of food spoiling.
9. Monitoring and Maintenance
- Check Regularly: Regularly inspect your fridge and pantry for items that are nearing their expiration date and plan meals around the items closest to their sell-by date.
- Clean Fridge: Clean your fridge and pantry regularly to prevent mould build-up and bacteria, which can accelerate spoilage.
10. Homemade Solutions
- DIY Freshness Solutions: Use homemade solutions like soaking berries in a vinegar and water solution (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) to kill mould spores and keep them fresh longer.
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By implementing these strategies you can significantly reduce food waste and save money on your grocery bills.
Of course, what can considerably help you to avoid food waste is a good quality fridge or fridge freezer, and Liebherr’s BioFresh is one of the best systems for maintaining lower temperatures and humidity to keep your food fresher for longer, sometimes by weeks.
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