In a country like Nigeria, food waste have become a very big deal that in fact have become a usual habit for many homes in my society. When you see a good vegetables in the fridge, most of us can actually relate whether it is unused or unappreciated. As a Nigerian I am, I usually need to think how best to avoid wasting food most especially when you consider the state of the economy right now.
This can really be challenging most especially when it comes to vegetables as they are more perishable as compared to other food. So the big question to answer today in my post is how do I actually avoid food waste?
Well the first step I imply and like they always say that prevention is better than Cure. I make sure I always buy the vegetables I will be using in small portion. Yes I understand that for some of us, we want to stock it and that is why for some for some of us, whenever we go to the market, we are always coming with a lot of tomatoes, pepper and all other stuff we want to use to cook.
But I have actually learnt the hard way and that if I will be making vegetable for this week, I only get that which I I need alone so that it wouldn't spoil and it will still be able to retain it's freshness over the days. I avoid buying in large quantities except when the occasion demands probably if I have a lot of friends around and I have been able to establish this rule for myself which always helps and that is, if I will not be able to eat it in the next 3-4 days, then there is no need to get it.
Well that is not only the one, I also make sure that I make use of the freezer and that is freezing leftovers so that I can use it later says. Even though some people think freezing is for lazy people but I don't really see it from that perspective, in fact freezing vegetables z soups and other food stuff have been a lifesaver for me on several occasions. The first one is that it save me time and not only that but also save my money and helps me to reduce waste. I eat that which I need to eat and freeze the rest.
Another way I reduce food waste or generally manage my vegetables though this particular strategy no longer apply any longer as because I currently didn't have a garden in the current location I based compared to the previous location. I grew my own vegetables. Apart from the fact that it gives you that sense of freshness, but also it helps to reduce cost. It is not really difficult to grow your own vegetables most especially when you have a backyard of yourself. You can start by growing little veggies that you make use of frequently and then you can add some herbs to the garden for your health also.
Of course, everyone of us is subjected to their own structures but one of the ways I prefer is to make use of some of the strategies I have listed above today and over the years, it has helped me to not only reduce food waste but also have always helped me to save money. I am always cautious of that and this has tamed me to make maximum use of vegetables.
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This post was inspired by the #inleo community and my entry to the #septemberinleo monthly prompt day 29. Feel free to check it out and participate.