If you’ve got a fruit bowl overflowing with old fruit or a salad drawer brimming with rotting vegetables, you’re not alone.
UK households waste a whopping 4.5 million tonnes of food each year which could have been eaten or incorporated into recipes.
Knowing what to do with leftover fruits and vegetables can be difficult as they often aren’t the star ingredient.
With this in mind, nutritionist Rimas Geiga has shared exactly what to do with leftover fruit and vegetables and how to elevate them to “star status”.
He told Express.co.uk: “Leftovers, often overlooked, are the unsung heroes of a resourceful kitchen.”
Leftover fruit
There’s plenty that can be done with your leftover fruit, especially if it’s been kept in the freezer.
Rimas explained: “Transform yesterday’s fruits into a symphony of flavours with a vibrant smoothie.
“Blend them with a base of yoghurt, add a drizzle of honey, and crown the concoction with granola for a breakfast masterpiece.”
Bananas are some of the most common leftover fruits as well as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Leftover bananas can be whipped up into a smoothie alongside peanut butter or, strawberries and mangoes.
Overripe bananas blended with yoghurt, dairy-free milk, ice and toasted coconut make a delicious banana-coconut smoothie.
Leftover vegetables
Vegetables shouldn’t be left to go rotten in the fridge but can be incorporated into delicious dishes.
Rimas said: “Elevate them to star status by incorporating them into a frittata or an omelette.
“Sautéed with a touch of olive oil, they bring both texture and nutritional diversity to your plate.”
The nutritionist said home cooks should consider the “elemental principle of reducing waste while enhancing
nutritional intake”.
Leftover vegetables can be turned into hearty soups with spices, garlic and seasonings.
He concluded: “Cooking is an artistry that extends beyond the confines of a recipe. It’s about understanding the ingredients, respecting the process, and infusing creativity into every dish.
“As you embark on this culinary exploration, remember that the kitchen is your canvas, and each creation is a testament to your passion for the extraordinary.”
