Avoiding Waste This Autumn
Autumn brings hearty meals, cozy nights, and festive cooking, but it can also lead to an increase in food waste due to large seasonal feasts and an abundance of fresh produce. To help combat this, here are some simple food waste hacks for autumn that will help you reduce, reuse, and rescue food in your kitchen:
8 Food Waste Hacks for Autumn: How to Save, Store, and Share
1. Make soups and stews
As the weather cools, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn leftover vegetables, meats, and grains into flavorful soups or stews. This not only makes use of odds and ends but also significantly cuts down on food waste.
2. Freeze what you don’t use
Additionally, many autumn vegetables like squash, pumpkins, and even cooked dishes such as pies freeze exceptionally well. By freezing these items, you can enjoy them later in the season, reducing the risk of spoilage before you get the chance to use them.
3.Revive wilted produce
If your greens, carrots, or celery have wilted, don’t throw them out! Instead, try soaking them in ice water to bring them back to life. If that doesn’t work, use them in soups or cooked dishes where texture isn’t as important.
4. Create vegetable broth
If your greens, carrots, or celery have wilted, don’t toss them out just yet! Try soaking them in ice water to revive their freshness. If that doesn’t work, use them in soups or cooked dishes where texture matters less. Another effective way to reduce waste is by saving vegetable scraps like peels, stems, and leaves. Simmer these scraps to create a nutritious, flavorful broth that can be used in soups, casseroles, or sauces.
5. Bake with overripe fruit
When you have overripe autumn fruits such as apples, pears, or bananas, transform them into delicious cakes, muffins, or crumbles. Instead of throwing them away, using them in baked goods is a fantastic way to reduce waste while enjoying a tasty treat.
6. Plan meals around seasonal produce
Planning meals around seasonal produce ensures you’ll use ingredients before they go bad, which significantly cuts down on food waste. Don’t throw away overripe autumn fruits like apples, pears, or bananas. Instead, turn them into delicious cakes, muffins, or crumbles. Baking with these fruits is a fantastic way to minimize waste while creating tasty treats.
7. Batch cooking and portion freezing
After preparing a large meal, consider portioning it into individual servings to freeze. This approach prevents leftovers from going to waste while also saving you time on busy nights when a quick meal is needed. By shopping for what’s in season, you not only save money but also lower the chances of food spoiling.
8. Compost your food scraps
Compost your food scraps to make a positive impact. When no other option is available, composting food scraps like pumpkin guts or apple cores becomes a smart and sustainable choice. It not only reduces waste but also creates nutrient-rich material for your garden, helping you grow more fresh produce.
At City Harvest, we believe no one should go hungry, especially when so much food is being wasted. By supporting our work, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of low-income households in London this autumn.
City Harvest Rescues the Planet
City Harvest’s food rescue mission helps to prevent needless GHG emissions from food waste in landfill. Learn more about how our planet-friendly operation, and how you can help!