How to Wash and Store Produce: Waste Less and Save Money

Produce is an important part of a healthy diet, but it can also be a major source of waste.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC),Americans waste about 20% of the food they buy, and a significant portion of that waste comes from produce.

I Bought It, Now What?: How to Wash and Store Produce, Waste Less and Save Money

by Amy Cross

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	33154 KB
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Print length	:	79 pages
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There are several reasons why produce goes to waste:

• It's perishable, so it can spoil quickly if not stored properly.
• It's often sold in bulk, which can lead to people buying more than they need.
• It's sometimes difficult to tell when produce is ripe or spoiled.

However, there are several things you can do to reduce produce waste:

1. Plan your meals. One of the best ways to avoid waste is to plan your meals in advance. This will help you buy only the produce you need.

2. Buy in season. Produce that is in season is more likely to be fresh and affordable.

3. Buy local. Buying local produce helps to reduce transportation costs and emissions.

4. Choose imperfect produce. Imperfect produce is often just as good as perfect produce, but it's often sold at a discount.

5. Store produce properly. Proper storage can help to extend the shelf life of produce.

How to wash produce

Washing produce is an important step in preventing foodborne illness. Here are some tips for washing produce:

1. Rinse produce thoroughly under running water. This will help to remove dirt, bacteria, and pesticides.
2. Use a clean scrub brush to remove any stubborn dirt.
3. Dry produce thoroughly with a clean towel. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.

How to store produce

Proper storage can help to extend the shelf life of produce.

Here are some tips for storing produce:

• Store produce in a cool, dark place. This will help to slow down the ripening process.
• Store produce in a well-ventilated container. This will help to prevent the growth of mold.
• Store produce separately from other foods. This will help to prevent cross-contamination.

Additional tips for reducing produce waste

In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to reduce produce waste:

• Use leftovers. Leftover fruits and vegetables can be used in a variety of dishes.
• Compost produce scraps. Composting produce scraps is a great way to recycle nutrients back into the soil.
• Donate produce to a local food bank. If you have extra produce, you can donate it to a local food bank.

By following these tips, you can reduce produce waste, save money, and improve your health.

I Bought It, Now What?: How to Wash and Store Produce, Waste Less and Save Money

by Amy Cross

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	33154 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	79 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE