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Have you ever bought a food ingredient you haven’t used?
I finally bit the bullet and cleaned out my refrigerator last night — and it was a little but if a rude awakening. There were leftovers I’d forgotten about and produce that could’ve been saved.
I forgot about the spinach and there were a few condiments I hadn’t even used before. Have you been here and with what kind of food? Also, any food hacks for storing food to last?
Courtney KleinSecurity Professional
688
02/25/20 at 5:12PM UTC (Edited)
I used to have trouble with winter herbs going bad quickly (I grow my own in the summer, but no luck keeping them indoors in the winter), so I learned to store them properly. There are some differences for each herb, so, it takes a bit of research, but that's a really good way to reduce food waste... For example...
-Dill: Place the dill in a jar and add some water. Keep the bottom inch or so of the stems submerged, but try to keep everything else above the water line. Wrap the dill in a moist paper towel, put a bag over the herbs, pop it in the fridge, and change the water every 2-3 days. Bam! Dill for weeks!
-Cilantro, Thyme: Same as above, but forego the moist towel.
-Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme: Rinse the herbs, pat them dry, wrap them in a moist paper towel, put that in a plastic bag (sealed or gently squeeze out the air), pop it in the fridge.
-Oregano: same as above, but leave a little bit of air for the herbs to breathe.
When I build my grocery list, I also always look at what I have on hand, either in the fridge or cabinets, and try to build meals around that. This also helps keep grocery bills down!
StellaKLet's do this
772
03/28/20 at 11:30AM UTC
This is great advice. Thanks C. Klein!
Jessica K.Marketer. Powered by sports, wine & fashion.
500
02/18/20 at 2:30AM UTC
I always seem to throw out leftover spinach or salad items, as I can't usually get to eating it quickly enough. I tend to make similar things throughout the week since it's only myself. Definitely need to look into some different storage options too.
LEANNE TOBIASInvestment real estate/sustainability
4.06k
02/15/20 at 7:41AM UTC (Edited)
All the time. What helps:
Storage bags or airtight containers that prolong the life of produce and cooked dishes.
Storing perishables in refrigerator drawers and in the back of the refrigerator where it is colder.
Assiduously keeping track of and using leftovers quickly.
Cooking more at home/limiting restaurant meals: reduces the quantity of leftovers, so less waste overall.
I wish that I applied these strategies more consistently! I reduce waste considerably when I do so. Thanks for reminding me to get back on the straight and narrow.
StellaKLet's do this
772
03/28/20 at 11:30AM UTC
Thanks for the tips! Super helpful!
Rebecca Jones Automotive finance
201
02/11/20 at 3:58PM UTC
Look up freezer meals on Pinterest. If you have slow cooker or a pressure cooker, you can meal plan for a month.
useratl
29
02/10/20 at 6:11PM UTC
Make a priority of not shoving things to the back of the refrigerator.
Fresh onions can be frozen for cooking purposes, as well as garlic. Use your internet and you'll find millions of ideas that amazing people have come up with.
A note or magnet on the front of the fridge can be helpful as well.
StellaKLet's do this
772
03/28/20 at 11:32AM UTC
Very guilt of this. Great points!
Anonymous
02/07/20 at 3:12PM UTC
Coconut oil, although it last for a year so I'm still holding out hope that I'll use it before then XD
MsRachel2020Human Resources
50
02/07/20 at 2:15PM UTC
Meal prepping is a life saver. Try to store veggies, salad in a tight ziplock bag and leftovers in bowls. Date those leftovers, this usually remind me not to buy extra food because I have food at home. Agreed with storing them in the freezer as well, saves you money and time.
StellaKLet's do this
772
03/28/20 at 11:32AM UTC
I've started to store things in the freezer now and it's been incredibly helpful. Thanks for the inspo!
Amanda NeighboursHR Executive in the great state of Georgia!
454
02/07/20 at 2:01PM UTC
All the time! This year, I am trying to keep our fridge and pantry to necessities only (minus the things we always use, like flour, sugar, milk, etc). I am meal planning and snack planning - as a family of five with three young boys, it's hard to NOT overbuy, but I was sick and tired of literally throwing money in the trash can with uneaten yogurt, fruit, veggies, etc. So I evaluate week to week what we need and what we don't. It's not necessarily to save money, but it has definitely helped!
Gabrielle Sitek
13
02/07/20 at 1:17PM UTC
I have been there more times than I can count. I don’t like throwing things away. I tend to forget about it if there is too much. I will challenge myself for all of March to plan a budget around what I have at home and use every last thing I can.
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