A recent survey conducted by Electrolux, a prominent household brand, in the Asia-Pacific region (including Vietnam), revealed that 87% of households surveyed in Vietnam admit to wasting, on average, two plates of food per week.
To effectively reduce food waste, consider implementing these 4 “Smart Cooking” tips. By incorporating these practices into your family’s routine, not only will you minimize leftover food, but you will also contribute to a positive impact on the environment.
Schedule for tracking individuals who will be unavailable for dinner
Design a weekly family calendar to be displayed prominently in the kitchen. This calendar will serve as a convenient reference for all members of the family to stay organized with their dinner plans, social events, and other commitments. It is expected that each family member will actively update and maintain the calendar to foster proactive participation.
The daily display of the calendar allows the designated person responsible for meal preparation to effectively gauge portion sizes and avoid unnecessary food wastage by cooking in excess. This proactive approach is believed to be a key factor influencing food waste reduction in Vietnam.
Implementing this simple suggestion can significantly reduce food waste.
Local Caterer Publishes Weekly Vegetarian Meal Plan
It is highly advised to engage in weekly meal planning for effective organization. To ensure an enjoyable experience, set aside approximately 30 minutes on Sundays to involve the entire family. Foster open discussions and collaboratively plan the meals for the week ahead.
A Guide to Creating a Comprehensive Weekly Meal Plan
Creating a weekly meal plan can greatly enhance efficiency in grocery shopping and reduce food waste. By thoughtfully selecting the necessary ingredients and avoiding impulsive purchases, you can make the most out of your groceries and ensure optimal utilization within a designated timeframe.
Our weekly menu is designed to support a balanced and nutritious diet. We offer a diverse range of dishes that are constantly updated to ensure variety and prevent monotony. Enjoy a satisfying and flavorful culinary experience with us.
When it comes to food waste, leftover food is a big contributor. However, there are many creative and delicious ways to repurpose and use up your leftover food instead of throwing it away. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you may also discover new and exciting flavors in the process. Here are some innovative ways to use leftover food:
1. Leftover Vegetable Stir-Fry
If you have leftover vegetables, don’t let them go to waste. Turn them into a delicious stir-fry. Simply sauté the vegetables with some garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick and healthy meal.
2. Bread Crumbs
Stale bread can be transformed into crunchy bread crumbs. Simply toast the bread until it’s crisp, then pulse it in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. You can use these breadcrumbs to coat chicken or fish, or sprinkle them over casseroles and pasta dishes for added texture.
3. Leftover Rice
Leftover rice can be used to make a variety of dishes. You can fry it with some vegetables and soy sauce for a quick and tasty fried rice. You can also make rice pudding with milk, sugar, and your choice of flavorings such as vanilla or cinnamon.
4. Soup
If you have leftover vegetables or meat, throw them into a pot with some broth and spices to create a flavorful soup. You can also add some beans or pasta for a heartier meal.
5. Bread Pudding
Stale bread can be turned into a delicious dessert. Tear the bread into pieces, then mix it with eggs, milk, sugar, and your choice of flavorings such as vanilla or cinnamon. Bake it in the oven until it’s golden and crispy on top.
These are just a few examples of the many ways you can repurpose leftover food. Get creative in the kitchen and see what delicious creations you can come up with!
Making the Most of Extra Ingredients in Meals
Food waste is a major issue that affects both our environment and our wallets. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, around one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted every year.
Not only does this waste contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, but it also costs us money. Thankfully, there are many simple and clever ideas that can help us reduce food waste and save money at the same time.
Meal Planning
One of the best ways to prevent food waste is to plan your meals in advance. By creating a weekly meal plan, you can ensure that you only buy the ingredients you need and use them before they spoil. Making a shopping list based on your meal plan can also help you avoid purchasing unnecessary items.
Proper Storage
Properly storing your food can significantly extend its shelf life and prevent it from spoiling prematurely. Invest in airtight containers to keep your leftovers fresh and organize your refrigerator to easily see what needs to be used. Additionally, some fruits and vegetables can be stored in the freezer for later use.
Portion Control
Many of us tend to serve ourselves more food than we can eat, leading to unnecessary leftovers and waste. By practicing portion control and only taking what you can finish, you can reduce food waste and save money on groceries.
Utilize Leftovers
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Get creative and find new ways to use them in your next meal. For example, leftover vegetables can be turned into a delicious stir-fry or soup, and stale bread can be transformed into croutons or breadcrumbs. Use your imagination and make the most out of your leftovers.
Donate Unused Food
If you find yourself with excess food that you won’t be able to consume before it spoils, consider donating it to a local food bank or shelter. Many organizations accept non-perishable items and fresh produce to help those in need. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you’ll also be helping others in your community.
By implementing these clever ideas, you can play a part in reducing food waste and saving money. Remember, every small action counts, and together, we can make a big difference.
Harness Creativity with Leftover Food: Discover Innovative Recipes
Based on survey results, it has been observed that a considerable segment of households in Vietnam, amounting to approximately 31%, have expressed their aversion to consuming leftover food. This mindset is frequently responsible for the wastage of edible food. However, there are innovative approaches one can adopt to effectively reduce this waste by repurposing leftover ingredients into appetizing new dishes. For example, in the attached video, you will learn how to utilize cold rice, leftover shrimp, and pork belly from your refrigerator to create a delectable pizza dish.
Maximum Nutrition: Preserving Food Safely
Ensuring optimal storage conditions for fresh ingredients and cooked food is essential for prolonging their freshness. To prevent potatoes from sprouting, a valuable recommendation is to place them in a dark-colored paper bag alongside an apple and store them in a cool, dark area, away from direct sunlight.
To extend the freshness of bananas, a proven method can be applied. By delicately encasing the stem of each banana with a thin layer of plastic wrap, the overall lifespan of the fruit can be increased by an additional three days. Likewise, when managing uneaten cooked food, it is highly recommended to transfer it into an airtight container before refrigerating. This guarantees optimal preservation and aids in maintaining the food’s quality.
Electrolux, in collaboration with the Red Cross of Ho Chi Minh City, has launched the “Smart Cooking” program as a means of combating food waste and poverty on a global scale. Through this partnership, a total of 4,889 nourishing meals have been carefully prepared and distributed to those in difficult circumstances in Ho Chi Minh City. |
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