8 ways to reduce food waste and save some money

As per the Food Waste Index Report 2021 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Indians throw away 50 kg of food per person every year. Keeping these statistics in mind, it becomes the need of the hour to put some focus on the fact that we work on food wastage and instead look for resources that help in reducing the same. Hence, we found some very useful ways that not just help in reducing the food wastage but help in saving some money as well. Here are some tips that can come in handy. (Images courtesy: iStock)

Before going for food shopping, do a recce of the fridge and freezer to see what you’ve already got that can be used up. If you’re not feeling particularly inspired, try researching recipes. Include the things you’ve already got in the fridge that may not be looking healthy for too much longer. Only shop for extras to accompany what you already have at home. Also, always check your herbs and spices so you don’t end up buying your fourth jar of oregano or cumin.

The freezer acts as a pause button on food, and you can literally freeze anything. Be it mayonnaise, cucumber or even lettuce, or even raw meat. Just make sure that they are being used in the right frame of time for cooking. Also, it's always best to freeze the leftovers to avoid throwing them away.

Be it the beetroot leaves or the spinach, the herb stalks or the carrot greens, everything can be used to make pesto sauce at home. Use it to enhance the taste of your favourite pasta.

Don’t throw the stems of your favourite herbs as those can be used to enhance the taste of grains like rice, couscous and even quinoa.

If you have any half veggies lying in the fridge and there is no creativity coming in on how to use them, toss them together and enjoy with a handful of quinoa or rice and grilled chicken.

It is probably one of the easiest ways to reduce food wastage and save money. Always, go for the supermarket way, as we think before buying any food. While in online shopping, lucrative offers make us numb and we give in to buying more than usual.

Have you ever thought about growing the veggies and fruits at home? Well, you might be surprised with the amount of satisfaction you will have once the produce comes out. This way, you can be sure about what you are eating is completely organic and healthy as well.

Do not throw away the stems, stalks and peels and instead make your own stock at home with the organic waste. Use the carrot tops, onion skin, potato peels, beetroot tops & peels along with herb stems to make that vegetable stock. You can add your favourite spices to it like turmeric, bay leaves and even black cardamom to induce an intense flavour in the stock.