Australian’s are tossing away $8 billion worth of food as waste and a whopping two thirds of this waste occurs in the home or at restaurants we eat at. 4-Ingredients author and Gourmet Garden Ambassador, Kim McCosker shares some handy hints for cooking without the waste.
It can be tricky to avoid food wastage when cooking for yourself or for two people, especially if you prefer to have some variety in your mid-week meals rather than cooking in bulk…but it doesn’t have to be that way!
Kim shares her hints for cooking for a smaller group, without compromising flavour and contributing to food waste.
“The war on waste is a hot topic and it’s important to understand how we can all help to combat this ongoing concern by making small changes to how we purchase and consume food,” Ms McCosker said.
“Once you’re aware of what and how much food you tend to throw out, it’s easy to cut back on wastage – and in doing so, you’ll likely save money on your weekly grocery bill!”
Here, Kim reveals her tips to reduce your household food waste, while ensuring your mid-week meals are quick, simple and full of flavour.
Shop with intent
Everyone knows that shopping on an empty stomach is never a good idea. In the same way, shopping without a plan can lead to unnecessary purchases and impulse buys, ultimately leading to potential food wastage. Before you shop, check the fridge and pantry and make sure you aren’t purchasing foods that you already have at home, particularly the perishable items.
Plan your meals
This tip goes hand in hand with the first – planning your meals is the best way to avoid unnecessary waste. Prior to grocery shopping, writing down each meal you plan to cook for the week ahead will allow for purposeful shopping. This will also reduce the daily pressure of meal planning after a long day at work. After you’ve cooked, I suggest freezing your meat and vegetables in portion sizes. Doing this in advance will minimise preparation time during the week allowing for quick, easy and delicious meals with little to no waste!
Use leftovers
This tip may be obvious for some but it’s important to remember that eating leftovers doesn’t always mean eating the same meal twice! For example, leftover chicken breast can be transformed when topped with one of Gourmet Garden’s Finishing Drizzles. These sauces are made from Queensland-grown herbs and are full of flavour – with chicken I love the Salsa Verde or Basil Pesto. Each pouch serves 2-3 people, so they’re perfect when you’re cooking for a smaller group. Served with a simple side salad you will have dinner on the table in minutes.
Avoid Clutter
Just like the saying goes, ‘out of sight, out of mind’! This is an important reminder for keeping your kitchen in order and free from clutter. Seeing your food will remind you to eat it, prompting you to consume before its use by date. Adopting a ‘first in, first out’ approach will also save you money and minimise the waste in your kitchen.
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