- Look beyond looks:
Nothing's perfect - fresh fruits and vegetables included. Often, anything with bruises, bumps or oddities gets picked over. But a misshaped tomato could end up being the firmest and tastiest of the bunch. Don't be afraid to buy something imperfect, you may be surprised. - Prep and protect:
Food spoils in homes due to improper or suboptimal storage, poor visibility in refrigerators, partially used ingredients and misjudged food needs, according to the National Resources Defense Council report. Taking easy steps to prep and protect food before storing helps keep food fresher longer. For example, keep kale crisp by wrapping in a paper towel, storing in an airtight Glad Zipper bag and placing in the coldest part of the fridge. - Leftover do overs:
Don't scrap today's leftovers or excess ingredients; use them for tomorrow's meals. Extra baked or rotisserie chicken? Debone and shred what's left, and store it in an airtight container to later make chicken enchiladas the whole family will enjoy. Leftover cooked veggies? Use them as the base for a slow cooker meal. - Play musical shelves:
When you purchase new food, shuffle the older items to the front, putting the newer items towards the back. You'll be prompted to use these items first, before they go bad. - Lead with the list:
Plan meals ahead for a trip to the store. A detailed list will help curtail impulse purchases and over-buying. Be realistic about what you're going to prepare, accounting for days you'll eat leftovers or go out.
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