Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the time when tables bend under the weight of delicious dishes. However, it sometimes happens that an excess of prepared dishes and products causes problems when we have no idea what to do with them after the celebration. It is worth learning simple ways to extend the freshness of food, prevent it from being thrown away and at the same time take care of your household budget. The key to success is well-planned shopping, skillful use of leftovers and proper storage. The best tips on how to reduce food waste and keep it fresh for longer are shared by Natalia Dziok, a dietitian and expert of the FoodSaver brand, which produces vacuum storage systems.
Start with planning
The first step in reducing food waste is planning. Pre-Christmas shopping is often done in a hurry and on impulse, which results in excess products that end up in the fridge. It is a good idea to determine in advance what dishes will be served and prepare a shopping list based on this, taking into account the number of guests. Thoroughly checking your home inventory will help you avoid buying products you already have. When choosing ingredients, pay attention to expiration dates and choose those with a longer shelf life.
Store wisely
The refrigerator is the most popular way of storing food, and following a few simple rules allows you to prolong the freshness of food and avoid its spoilage. It is a good idea to place cold meats and cheeses in a cooler part of the refrigerator, in parchment paper, aluminum foil or special bags. This ensures air circulation and protects them from drying out. It is best to keep salads with mayonnaise or cream in closed containers and eat within two to three days. Cakes, such as cheesecakes or poppy seed cakes, are safely stored in airtight containers so that they do not absorb the smells of other products. Cutting them into pieces and freezing is another way you can enjoy them for two weeks after the holidays.
Other dishes are also perfect for freezing, such as dumplings, dumplings, bigos or roasted meats, which should be divided into portions and placed in ziplock bags. Unfortunately, freezing has its limitations – contact with air may lead to frost burn, deteriorating the quality and taste of dishes. An effective solution to this problem is the use of vacuum packaging systems.
Try vacuum packaging
The vacuum storage method is extremely universal and can be used in both the refrigerator and freezer. Meats and cheeses packaged in this way remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, and salads gain a few additional days without losing their taste and quality. Dumplings can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, and fish such as salmon or cod will stay fresh for up to six months.
– Vacuum packaging involves removing air from the packaging, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold and slows down the oxidation process. As a result, there is much less loss of vitamin C, omega-3 acids and other antioxidants. In addition, by preventing products from drying out, we help maintain a higher level of water-soluble ingredients, such as B vitamins. This allows products to be stored without losing their taste and nutritional value up to five times longer than in the case of classic methods – explains Natalia Dziok, dietitian and FoodSaver brand expert. – This method also works well when storing liquid products, such as soups or sauces. Special sealers for liquids allow you to safely close them in bags or containers, which protects against spilling and allows you to store them while retaining their full flavor and aroma – adds the expert.
Give leftovers a second life
Food leftovers, the most common reason for throwing away food during the holidays, do not have to end up in the trash1. It’s worth using them to create new, tasty dishes! You can cut the roasted meat into thin slices and place it on fresh bread with your favorite vegetables and sauce, creating appetizing sandwiches. Stale bread is perfect for preparing crispy croutons for soup or salad – just cut it into small pieces, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite herbs and bake in the oven. In turn, blend the vegetables remaining after cooking the broth into a velvety cream, which you can enrich with the addition of cream or roasted seeds. You can also bake them into an aromatic veggie pâté by adding lentils or chickpeas. Add excess dried fruit (they can be from compote!), such as plums or apples, to your morning oatmeal, creating a delicious and healthy breakfast.
If there is still too much food left after the holidays, it is worth sharing it with others. Many cities have soup kitchens and organizations that accept surplus food, helping those who need it most.
Holidays are a time of joy and abundance, but it is worth remembering to manage food wisely. Thanks to conscious planning, modern storage methods and a creative approach to leftovers, you can take care of your household budget, reduce food waste and enjoy the taste of the holidays long after they are over.
