Stop the Waste

New findings from cookware brand Pyrex® show the average UK household throws out 367kg of food each year, or enough to make over 300 plates of food. The research shows fruit and vegetables making up a whopping three quarters of household waste.

The second-largest wasted food group is breads and cereals, which contribute to 11% of waste, then dairy products, which make up 7%, followed by meat and fish at 5%. Zero waste chef Max La Manna is sharing his tips to get you started on reducing your food waste.

POTATOES

Potatoes are the #1 most wasted food in the UK. Over 9 million are wasted every day. Store your potatoes in a cool, dark cupboard and out of your fridge. If your potato is sprouting, just remove the sprout – it’s fine to eat afterwards. Roast your potatoes in the oven or add them to a curry.

APPLES

Store apples properly by keeping them out of the fridge to stay fresh longer and use the skin and core to make a homemade apple scrap cider.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

If your Brussels sprouts are going off, the best way to make use of them is to roast or bake them in the oven, along with their skins so you don’t waste any part.

GREEN BEANS

Add your leftover green beans to a delicious stew or curry. I like adding mine to my tomato sauce to give it extra texture and crunch.

BROCCOLI HEADS

Did you know that broccoli can grow to be over 3 feet tall? The stalk is the most wasted bit of the broccoli, so make sure to use it. First, steam your stalk until soft and the centre is cooked through. Next, add your stalk to a blender with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, basil and nutritional yeast, and blend until smooth. You’ll have yourself a broccoli stalk pesto.

COB OF CORN

Make a delicious corn fritter and compost the cob afterwards.

PEAS

Steam and mash your peas and add them to your morning toast for a nutritious start to the day.

BREAD

Bread is one of the most wasted foods in the UK – 25 million slices go to waste every day. Save your loaf from ending up in a bin by freezing it or making homemade croutons with stale bread. www.pyrexuk.com