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Almost 40% of food in the United States is wasted because of blemishes, bruises or spoilage. This is according to no less than the Natural resources Defense Council, which also says the typical American family of four throws more than $2,200 down the drain yearly in the form of wasted food.

 

If you seriously don't want to be part of those statistics, here are tips that can help:

 

>> Keep fast-spoiling foods in sight.

 

You are less likely to throw away dairy products and soft fruits if you put them in places where you can easily see them - and remember eating them - such as on the counter or in front of your fridge. 5.

 

>> Store produce right.

 

It's important to store produce immediately and in the right places. For example, apples, broccoli, cucumbers, cantaloupe, lettuce, cauliflower, apricots and plumbs go in the fridge, while avocados, tomatoes, watermelon, nectarines and peaches stay on the counter. Spices, such as onions and garlic, as well as potatoes should be kept in a cool, dark spot. Read more about food at https://www.huffingtonpost.com/topic/food.

 

>> Plan how to use your ingredients.

 

When planning your weekly meals, think of different ways of cooking of preparing produce and bulk items. For example, bell peppers can be eaten in an egg-white omelet or stuffed with ground meat.

 

>> Use smaller plates.

 

If you use smaller plates, you'll have less to throw away if you get full before finishing your food. Of course, this also helps your weight.

 

>> Learn how to refresh leftovers. 

 

If you have leftovers going on night two or three, think up ways to refresh them so you'll find them more appealing. For example, make soup with leftover rice and pasta or pizza with those extra meatballs. When making chicken stock, throw in vegetable scraps.

 

>> Freeze your stock.

 

Make ice cubes out of your leftover stock or broth. Next time you prepare a sauce or side dish, just get a few cubes and toss them in the pot or pan. 

 

>> Get swapping.

 

If you need spinach for a recipe but you only have kale, use it instead. Pears can also substitute for apples, oregano for basil and fish for beef or chicken in tacos. In short, play around with what you have. Recipes aren't absolute. In fact, many great chilli chickenrecipes were borne out of cooking accidents.

 

You get the idea. If you want to save food, you can do it just by getting smart with it. Remember, you're in control. Always. Check out black eyed beans cooking time here!