the experts’ keys so that your money does not end up in the trash can

The celebration of the Christmas holidays is a great event for the Spanish people as well as an excess of spending. Shopping for food usually takes a big bite out of your budget.since we do not usually skimp on these special days when we meet with family and close friends.

According to a survey carried out by Too Good To Go, the expected expenditure on food per consumer in Christmas will be around 313 euros, although a good part of that money ends up in the trash. Specifically, this company estimates food waste at 30 euros per person.

The report also reveals that until 55% of Spaniards have admitted to wasting food during the holidays, while 80% of them have estimated that a tenth of what they buy ends up in the trash.

In that line, 59% of those surveyed have acknowledged that they buy more food than necessary for fear of falling short.or, which, in the opinion of the platform, shows the need to improve planning and use of food during celebrations.

Regarding the most wasted products, Typical Christmas desserts have led the list with 44.5%, followed by bread (33%), side dishes such as rice or potatoes (20%) and sauces (19%).

Despite the waste situation, practically all of those surveyed have assured that will try to reuse leftovers during these dates.

In this way, among the application’s recommendations to optimize consumption, some have stood out, such as dedicating a “leftover recipe day” between Christmas and New Year’s.

“At Too Good To Go we encourage plan purchases and opt for recipes for use, This saves money, reduces food waste and contributes to caring for the planet,” said the director of the entity in Spain, Marie Lindström.

Below is a series of tips compiled by 20 minutes from expert sources such as the Ministry of Agriculture and consumer organizations, such as the OCU, to try to get citizens to reduce this bad practice.

Make a menu, adjust portions, use leftovers…

– Plan a Christmas menu. Knowing what you are going to cook is essential to plan your purchase and acquire the necessary ingredients. This way, you will optimize your purchase and only purchase what is necessary to cook the menu you have planned.

-Preserve food well. If you have leftover food or food, try to preserve it well in a suitable container or packaging. This way you can keep all its freshness for longer and it won’t end up in the trash can at the first opportunity.

-Pay attention to expiration dates. Check the labels and expiration dates of each product and store it where indicated and for the days recommended.

-Consume in order of entry. To make this task easier for you, place the products with the longest date at the back of the pantry or refrigerator and the first ones that need to be consumed, in the first row.

-Adjust the portions. Try to cook only what you need to avoid leftovers or overcooking. It is advisable to serve portions adapted to age and current appetite.

-Take advantage of leftovers. If in the end you have calculated wrong, you can always take advantage of the leftovers to eat the same food again or invent a new recipe by adding an additional ingredient.

-Freeze if necessary. If you have leftover food and you see that you are not going to consume it in the next few days, freezing it is an option if it is feasible. In this sense, meat dishes, stews or vegetable creams are easy to freeze.

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