Receiving a veg box delivery is like opening a treasure chest full of fresh, seasonal produce. It’s exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming if you’re not sure how to make the most of what’s inside. Here are some simple tips to help you enjoy every item in your box, minimise waste, and make mealtimes easier.
1. Store Wisely
Proper storage can make all the difference in keeping your vegetables fresh for as long as possible:
- Leafy Greens: Wrap spinach, kale, or lettuce in a damp tea towel and store in the fridge to keep them crisp.
- Root Vegetables: Keep carrots, turnips, and potatoes in a cool, dark place, ideally in a breathable bag.
- Tomatoes and Squash: Store at room temperature to preserve their flavour and texture. Refrigerating can make them lose their taste.
- Herbs: Place fresh herbs like parsley or coriander in a glass of water, cover with a plastic bag, and pop them in the fridge to keep them vibrant.
2. Plan Your Meals
A little bit of planning goes a long way. Start by identifying the most perishable items in your veg box and plan meals around those first:
- Use tender greens like lettuce or spinach early in the week.
- Save sturdier vegetables, such as squash or carrots, for later.
Planning a few simple meals in advance ensures that nothing goes to waste and helps you get the most out of your box.
3. Batch Cook and Freeze
If you find yourself with more vegetables than you can use right away, batch cooking is your best friend. Soups, stews, and curries are great ways to use up a variety of vegetables, and they freeze beautifully for future meals.
Tip: Roast any leftover veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use them throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
4. Get Creative with Leftovers
Don’t let those odds and ends go to waste. Here are a few ideas:
- Make Pesto: Use leftover greens or herbs with some nuts, olive oil, and garlic to whip up a delicious pesto.
- Vegetable Stock: Save scraps like carrot tops, onion skins, and celery ends to make a homemade vegetable stock.
- Smoothies: Blend greens, beets, or carrots into a smoothie for a nutrient-packed breakfast or snack.
5. Try Something New
Veg boxes often include seasonal produce that you may not have cooked with before. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Look up recipes for unfamiliar vegetables or try swapping them into your favourite dishes.
For example:
- Use turnips in place of potatoes for a lighter mash.
- Roast radishes with a drizzle of olive oil for a surprising treat.
- Spiralise courgettes into noodles for a quick, healthy dinner.
6. Share the Love
If you find you have more vegetables than you can use, consider sharing with friends, family, or neighbours. It’s a wonderful way to spread the joy of fresh, seasonal produce while preventing waste.
Why Our Veg Boxes Make It Easy
Our veg boxes are thoughtfully curated to give you a balanced mix of vegetables that work well together in countless recipes. Each week, you’ll receive a variety of flavours, textures, and colours to inspire your meals. Plus, we include only the freshest, seasonal produce from our no-dig farm and trusted local growers.
With these tips, you’ll turn every veg box into a week of delicious, waste-free meals. We’d love to hear how you’re using your veg box – share your favourite recipes or creative tips in the comments below!
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