It is well-known that fruits and vegetables are essential to a healthful diet as they contain important vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and other phytonutrients.
Current dietary guidelines for adults include the consumption of at least 2 servings of fruit and at least 3 servings of vegetables per day. Flawed (“ugly” or “misfit”) produce can count toward this quota and provide the same benefits as their more aesthetically appealing relatives.
While imperfect produce might appear wrinkled or misshapen, they are perfectly nutritious. In fact, there is no nutritional difference seen between pretty produce and these misfits that are often overlooked.
Save money
Eating fresh produce can get expensive. Buying seasonal produce is one smart way to save money, but buying ugly fruits and vegetables can provide even bigger savings. Misfit fruits and vegetables are cheaper than their prettier versions. Whether in-store or online, stores and companies are selling misfit produce for upwards of 30-40% off typical grocery store prices.
In the United States, it is estimated that 30-40 percent of the total food supply ends up as food waste. Every year, some six billion pounds of U.S. fruits and vegetables go unharvested or unsold, often for aesthetic reasons. Flawed produce is thrown out at every stage of the distribution chain, from the field to the kitchen. Farmers exclude malformed picked produce, grocery stores refuse to accept imperfect produce that doesn’t meet standards, then if the weird-looking produce makes it to the shelves or kitchens, consumers overlook them and they eventually go bad and are tossed.
Rise of the Rejects!
Purchasing flawed produce can help reduce food waste and conserve energy, money, water, and ultimately, the environment. Reduce food waste, save money and pick up some of these imperfects to help your health, wallet and the planet.
When not to buy Misfits
As with all other produce, do not buy fruit/vegetables if you see mold, which can increase risk of foodborne illness. Also, do not buy produce if you see physical damage. This can also increase the risk of getting sick because pathogens and dirt can get into the fruit/vegetable flesh.
For delicious recipes, nutrition tips, and to find cooking and nutrition classes, go to the Kendall Reagan Nutrition Center website. More great info is also available at the College of Health and Human Sciences Pinterest board.