How can I reduce fruit and vegetable waste?
Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most wasted foods. Waste mainly relates to our lack of awareness and practical food management skills. Here some tips:
1
Store fruits like tomatoes, bananas, and avocados at room temperature to ripen. Once they reach peak ripeness, refrigerate to prolong their shelf life.
2
Some fruits (e.g. apples, bananas) emit ethylene gas that can speed up the ripening process of other fruits and veggies. Keep ethylene-sensitive items (e.g. berries, lettuce) away from ethylene producers.
3
Wash fruits and vegetables under cool running water before consuming them, but avoid washing them before storage. Washing too early can introduce moisture that speeds up spoilage.
4
Store most vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, leafy greens) in the fridge, preferably in the crisper drawer to keep them fresh longer.Keep the fridge below 5°C and check regularly.
Here you can assess your food waste practices and get personalized tips.
Here are some tips for buying fruit and vegetables