20 Amazing Kitchen Hacks that will reduce Wastage of Food

Hunger is a global problem. It is also an Indian problem, with 17% of India’s population malnourished. But hey, look on the other side and we waste about 40% of our annual food production. That’s food worth nearly $8.3 billion. Staggering, isn’t it? But, tiny drops make an ocean. And what better way to help with food wastage than in your own kitchen?

Here are 20 Kitchen Hacks that will help you waste less food.

1.Regrow food from stumps

There are over 20 herbs, veggies and a few fruits that re-spawn themselves. Some of them are Garlic, Basil, Onion and Ginger. Simple enough, right?

2.Flat soda can be used to make popsicles

Your coca-cola or sprite has lost all its gas? Pour into ice trays for a sweet and frozen treat.

3.Food Huggers are awesome

Use these ingenious bits of plastic to keep your half-cut vegetables fresh.

4.Re-heat leftover pizza in a large pan

Don’t use the microwave, re-heat your pizza in a pan. The oil from the crust restores its original crispiness.

5.Revive stale crackers and chips in the microwave

Has your chips lost its crispiness? Did someone forget to close the lid tight? It’s alright, revive them by zapping them in a microwave.

6. Coffee grounds as manure

Don’t know what to do with your used coffee grounds? Feed them to your potted plants. They contain nutrients that are great for roses, hydrangea, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and tomatoes.

7. Leftover lettuce in a paper bag

Lettuce remains fresh if you place it a paper bag before putting it in the fridge.

8. Herb-butter ice cubes

We all know that are herbs become spoilt really quickly. Fear not, chop them up, place them in an ice tray, pour some melted butter or olive oil into the ice tray and freeze.

9. Old milk can be cottage cheese

Often we throw out milk that starts to spoil. You can easily convert it into cottage cheese. It’s hassle free we promise.

10. Wrap banana crowns in plastic wrap

They last 4-5 days longer if you wrap the crown up in plastic.

11. Wrap celery in aluminium foil

They last up to a month longer in foil. It works for broccoli too.

12. Peel mangoes with a glass

Don’t waste a single piece of mango by peeling them with a glass. This is the right way to peel a mango.

13.Instant Nutella Hot Chocolate

You always have Nutella stuck to the sides of the jar and out it goes with it. Just add a cup of warm milk to it for instant hot chocolate. Why would you want to waste Nutella?

14. Apples and Potatoes are the hot new couple

The ethylene gas that apples release keeps potatoes from sprouting. What a perfect combination.

15. Store cut avocados with onions

It keeps the avocados from browning.

16. Save the dregs in you mayo jar by adding herbs and spices

Mix your herbs and spice with the leftover mayo in the jar to create an instant creamy salad dressing.

17. Poke your lemons

If you only require a bit of lemon juice, there’s no need to cut up an entire lemon. Poke the lemon with a toothpick and squeeze out what you need. Then cover the hole with some tape. Your lemon is fresh till your next use.

18. Have your cake and a slice of bread

If you have leftover cake that you have already cut into, use toothpick to cover the edges with bread. The cake remains fresh. Your bread might get a bit stale, but warm it up in a pan and it’s as good as new.

19. Peel ginger with a spoon

It ensures zero wastage.

20. Oil your eggs

Rub in a bit of oil onto your eggs before you put them in the fridge. This keeps the eggs fresh for at least 3 to 4 weeks.