Making the Most of Your Fruit & Veggies
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We all know the importance of eating our fruits and veggies, but sometimes it feels like we’ve doomed our produce to a lonely, forgotten fate in the crisper. If you hate throwing out perfectly good food as much as I do, read on!
Reducing waste takes a bit of effort, but it also saves money, which is almost as good as making money. So, treat this like a job that pays you—because it does, and it probably pays better than you think considering the minimal time and effort it takes.
Step 1: Regularly Check Your Produce Drawer
Choose a consistent time to go through your produce drawer. Once a week should be plenty! I like to do this on prep day since I’m already in the kitchen. At this time, see what needs to be used soon.
Step 2: Plan and Use Your Produce
Ask yourself: Can this be used in a main dish or side dish this week? If not, can it be frozen for future use? If you have a meal plan, it’ll be easier to figure out how to incorporate these items into your dishes.
Great Dishes for Extra Veggies:
- Stir fry
- Pasta
- Casserole
- Tacos
- Curry
- Pizza
- Sheet pan dinners
Great Ways to Use Extra Fruit:
- Smoothies
- Salads
- Snacks
Step 3: Process and Freeze
If you have no immediate plan for your extra produce, now is the time to process and freeze it. Make sure it is washed, then chop or process it in a way that makes it usable. Perhaps chop celery into sticks, peel and cube turnips, or slice carrots.
For random veggies, fine chopping them (a food processor can be handy for this) and packaging them in 1-2 cup portions works well. Next time you’re making pasta, tacos, or a casserole, just take out this mixed veggie assortment and throw it in with your protein. Instant veggies ready to go!
Step 4: Label Your Containers
Whatever you do, mark the container with the contents so it doesn’t go from a drawer of despair to an icy freezer grave. You do want to use the produce!
- If you use plastic containers in the freezer, masking tape with a marker works as an easy label.
- If you’re using silicone bags for storage (my favorite way to store), write on them with a dry erase marker.
Step 5: Check Your Freezer Before Shopping
Before you go grocery shopping for your next meal plan, ask yourself if you already have items from your shopping list in the freezer. If you do, you’ll not only save money but also the time in processing it!
If you have fruit that’s not going to make it, wash it, peel it, and store it. Take it out next time you’re making a smoothie!
Share Your Tips!
Do you have any other tips on using extra produce? Share them in the comments below!
Can I help with your gluten free meal planning? With options ranging from free, to casual, to premium you will find the option to suit your needs. Check out what’s on this week’s menu here.
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