As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, Americans are busy planning what they’ll be serving for Turkey Day feasts this year. As they plan and shop for meal staples like carrots, corn, apples for pies, and potatoes for mashing, many don’t consider where the ingredients come from.
Stores only sell “pretty” produce that meets their specific requirements, meaning fruits and veggies must be a certain size, shape and color. Ugly produce is produce that doesn’t meet grocery stores’ aesthetic standards. That may mean apples that are too small, odd-shaped potatoes, or carrots intertwined together. Due to these standards, approximately 40 percent of all produce goes to waste every year; produce that is perfectly delicious, nutritious, and eatable.
Don’t worry though, businesses such as Hungry Harvest, Misfit Market and Imperfect Foods deliver these orphaned fruits and vegetables straight to your door, giving unwanted produce a new life. Another benefit of buying the “unwanted” produce? It’s a fraction of the cost of “pretty” produce!
As you consider what to put on your table, consider this – will your apple pie taste any different if made with ugly apples? Will anyone know those fruits and veggies weren’t picture perfect when they are digging in?
This holiday season do something good for the planet and your grocery bill by using ugly produce to make your holiday favorites. Sweet potato casserole, glazed carrots, and mashed potatoes will all taste just as delicious and you will feel good eating them knowing you did a good deed for the planet and your wallet.