Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, when we enjoy having family and friends around to cook and eat together.
However a recent EPA survey found that 44 per cent of people reported that they waste more food at Christmas, with over 70 per cent admitting that they buy extra food ‘just in case’ they have unexpected visitors.
Stop Food Waste has five top tips for everyone in Westmeath to help them to reduce their festive food waste and make the most of their leftovers.
Plan your Christmas menu: Think back to last Christmas and the types of food you wasted. Perhaps it was food you or your family really didn’t like. Our survey indicates that Brussels sprouts are the most common food thrown out uneaten (42 per cent )! Or maybe you stocked up on too many basics like milk and bread, or bought in too large a quantity? This year, whether you are having a small or large festive gathering, plan how much food you will need for the number of people joining you. For the much-maligned Brussels Sprout – perhaps try a new recipe this year like Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts (https://fruitnveg.ie/recipe/parmesan-crusted-brussels-sprouts/ )!
Stick to your Christmas shopping list: Write your Christmas food shopping list before you leave the house. Check what items you already have in your cupboards and freezer, so you only buy food you need. And maybe check it twice! Then the hardest part, stick to your Christmas food list! Don’t be tempted by ‘buy–one–get-one-free’ or other special offers, they are not a good deal unless eaten. Make sure the ‘use-by’ dates on perishable food such as dairy and meat will still be good when you plan to eat them.
Store your Christmas food properly: Storing food properly will help it last longer. Serve and eat the more perishable foods first and then bring out the longer life food. Fridge and freezer space might be tight so before Christmas try to use up what’s already there. Remember that freezing your Christmas food, either before or after cooking, is like a pause button - it adds weeks or even months, from foods such as bread and cream to vegetables and even wine.
Cooking enough Christmas fare: Resist cooking too much over Christmas by anticipating how much your family and guests will actually eat. Try an online portion size calculator to help you estimate the portions you need to cook. Save your leftovers for another dinner – a good tip is to allow everyone to serve themselves from large serving dishes, instead of plating individual meals, as we are more likely to save leftovers from serving dishes. And why not make new traditions by not preparing foods that nobody really likes, or pep them up by trying a new way to prepare them.
Remember to use Christmas leftovers: Leftovers are delicious ingredients for your next snack or dinner. Once cooled, store leftovers in reusable, resealable tubs in the fridge, to be eaten and not forgotten! As well as saving you money, leftovers are the no-stress dinner that makes it easy for you to invite family and friends around during Christmas time. In the EPA’s recent survey 78 per cent of people reported that cold meats were their favourite festive leftovers, for making sandwiches (53 per cent ), or the fabled turkey curry (16 per cent ), cold turkey plate (12 per cent ) and turkey pie (4 per cent ).
For great tips and advice to reduce food waste at Christmas and all year round go to www.stopfoodwaste.ie There are great ideas for using leftovers including the ‘12 Days of Christmas Recipes’ and ‘Luscious Leftover
