10 quick food saving tips to reduce waste and help your budget

Did you know that in Australia, one in every five bags of groceries end up in the bin, on average? That equals around $3,800 worth of groceries wasted per household every year. 

That's a lot of food and wasted money that could be put towards other things like your savings goals. 

Australia's leading food rescue organisation OzHarvest does an amazing job to fight food waste and repurpose food to help vulnerable Australians. We spoke to OzHarvest to get 10 quick food saving tips, that will reduce waste and help your back pocket at the same time.

10 quick food saving tips

1. Apples are best stored in the fridge. Cut out any bruises and if you have too many, make a delicious crumble or bake them.
2. Bread is the most wasted food in Australia, so only buy what you need and use straight from the freezer. Toast from frozen or for sandwiches leave for 10 minutes to defrost, whizz into breadcrumbs if hard or a bit stale.
3. Carrots should be stored in original packaging in the fridge and can be revived by trimming and placing in a glass of water until crisp.
4. Eggs are best stored in the fridge. To check for freshness place in a bowl of cold water. Fresh eggs will sink but if it floats don't eat it.
5. Freezing food near its use by date is a great way to save food. Cook from the freezer at least once a week and use up frozen food within six months.
6.  Ham and other sliced meat should be sealed tightly in original packaging. If near use by date, add to an omelette or frittata, or slice/dice before freezing to use another time.
7. Juice or blend overripe fruit into smoothies and enjoy or freeze for another day (fruit blends great straight from the freezer! #frappe).
8. Keep fruit fresher for longer by storing in the fridge (except bananas and pineapple which should be kept separately to avoid over ripening other fruits).
9. Milk is one of the most wasted items. When near its use by date, freeze it. To defrost, place in fridge and give a little shake to re-combine.
10. Vegetables do not always need peeling, try scrubbing instead and cook in the normal way - much more nutritious and less waste in the bin! Save onion skin and veggie ends in the freezer for home-made stock.

For more food saving tips and recipes visit OzHarvest online. For more saving and budgeting help visit our save more money guide.