8 Interesting Ideas To Avoid Wasting So Many Fruits And Vegetables

The most convenient way to preserve aromatic herbs for up to six months is by chopping and freezing them with olive oil. In this way we can use them whenever we want.

Not sure how to avoid wasting fruits and vegetables? Globally, more than 2.1 billion tons of waste are produced each year, which could fill more than 800,000 Olympic swimming pools. This is denounced by a recent report by the British organization Verisk Maplecroft, which  warns of a “growing crisis” in garbage.

This is quite a worrying figure if we take into account that the problem of hunger continues to be a reality in many parts of the world.

With the aim of reducing this great waste, some techniques have been promoted for some time that invite them to extend their useful life at home.

On this occasion, we have made a compilation with 8 interesting ideas to give more use to the fruits and vegetables that are frequently used in the kitchen. Will you dare to put them into practice?

How to avoid wasting fruits and vegetables?

1. Tomatoes

When you do not want to use them soon and you want to avoid their early maturation, it is best to put them in the refrigerator to slow down this process.

But, if they are already ripe and still have not found any use, it is good to chop them and put them in the freezer in an airtight container.

Freezing this food changes its flavor and texture a little, but it can be used to make some sauce, stew and even soups later.

2. Grapes

As they mature, they acquire a delicious sweet flavor that goes very well in various preparations. As in the previous case, they can be stored in the freezer until the perfect time to use them.

When fully ripe, they are removed from the stem, washed well, and placed in a sealed container or bag. After frozen they can be used to prepare:

• Juices and smoothies.
• Refreshments
• Cakes.
• Jams
• Sweet.

3. Herbs

Herbs are generally used in small amounts in each of the recipes that include them. It is normal that sometimes some are left over and are easily damaged despite being in the refrigerator.

A good idea to stop throwing them away is by freezing them with a little olive oil. This technique allows to extend its useful life up to an additional 6 months.

To do this, the herbs are chopped well and processed with the oil in a blender. Pour the mixture into the ice buckets and take them to the freezer.

4. Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are strawberries that are best purchased in small amounts each time you want to use them.

Being fresh, its properties are better used and they have a more pleasant taste to eat alone or in various preparations.

But if, for example, you want to take advantage of the season or for some reason you bought more than necessary, it is convenient to freeze them so that they are not damaged. Later they can be prepared in:

• Smoothies and juices.
• Jams
• Biscuits
• Ice creams.
• Desserts.

5. Citrus

Although most citrus fruits last for weeks, sometimes there comes a time when they begin to ripen and decompose.

If they are not going to be used soon, the best thing to do is to squeeze the juice out of them and store it in the freezer. The peel can also be grated to use it in making desserts, smoothies or teas. The juice can be poured into ice cubes and then used in recipes such as:

• Juices and smoothies.
• Soups
• Cocktails
• Lemonades.
• Ice creams.

6. Apples

When this fruit reaches a high degree of maturity,  its texture becomes sandy and it is no longer so tasty to consume on its own.

The good thing is that just when they are very ripe it has many uses in gastronomy. For example, you can prepare:

• Cakes.
• Salads
• Pancakes.
• Juices
• Jams

In addition, it should be remembered that 100% organic apple cider vinegar can be made for use in health, beauty and the home.

7. Bananas

With this fruit there is no problem, since they are quite versatile when they reach the highest degree of maturity. How about a delicious banana bread?

It is easy to prepare and its flavor is to conquer palates. But if you don’t want to make this recipe, you can also keep them in the freezer for later use in:

• Smoothies and juices.
• Cakes
• Desserts.
• Compotes
• Masks for the face.

8. Potatoes

The latter of the fruits and vegetables is a vegetable that usually lasts a few weeks without suffering damage to its texture or flavor. However, if you suspect that they are close to damage, a good idea is to cook them and store them in the refrigerator.

As they are cooked, they can be used in the following days to prepare a puree or salad. We hope that all these ideas for fruits and vegetables help you not to waste so much these foods. Did you already put some of these keys into practice?