When you waste food, you also waste water, land, energy and CO2. Of course, we don't want that. That is why we have listed the best tips against food waste for you.
1. CHECK YOUR STOCK
Check your pantry, fridge and freezer before you go shopping. You often have more than you think! Put leftovers and used containers in a fixed place in your fridge. That way you can see at a glance what you need to eat first.
2. MAKE A SHOPPING LIST
Make a shopping list, write down what you really need. That way, you will make far fewer impulse buys and waste less food as well as saving money.
3. MEASURING IS KNOWING
Cook to order. Food waste among consumers often results from cooking too large portions. Especially with pasta, rice and couscous, it is smart to weigh the portions. This is because these products expand during cooking. Rice expands about 2.5 times and pasta 2 times. You will soon cook too much of this.
4. LOOK, SMELL AND TASTE BEFORE YOU THROW SOMETHING AWAY
Misinterpreting the THT date on products is another major cause of food waste. The THT date is only a quality guarantee from the producer (whereas the TGT date is the final date by which you can eat a product). Therefore, even with the THT date, trust your own senses before you throw something away.
5. STORE FOOD AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
Storing food in the right place at the right temperature keeps it fresh for longer. You will be less likely to throw something away. The ideal temperature for your fridge is 4°C. Food then spoils less quickly and bacteria hardly grow. You can use a fridge thermometer to check whether your fridge is cold enough. Some fruit and vegetables will keep longer in your fridge and others outside. Bread is best kept in the bag, in a sealed container. Even better, freeze bread and take out the sandwiches you need every day. Fruit and vegetables can also be kept in the freezer. Vegetables are best blanched (boiled briefly), fruit can be frozen cut into pieces. Potatoes, rice, pasta and couscous can be frozen cooked. Food will keep for at least a month in the freezer.
6. FIFO
FIFO - FIRST IN FIRST OUT - Put the products you need first (with the shortest use-by date) at the front of the fridge or pantry. That way you can be sure to use the products that are going to expire first.
7. GIVE YOUR PRODUCTS A SECOND LIFE BY PRESERVING THEM
Fermenting, pickling, brining, ... You've probably heard of them before. Definitely worth trying because it's more fun and easier than you think!
8. SAVE YOUR LEFTOVERS
Do you have leftovers in the house? Fine! If you store it well, you can eat it later that week. Take it for lunch, spoil yourself by not cooking for one night or freeze it! It is also always nice to surprise your friends, neighbour or grandma with a leftover meal!
