Earlier this summer I took a tour of an Eastern North Carolina cucumber farm. It was really interesting to learn how the farm works, from preparing the soil, planting, picking, boxing, and shipping out the cucumbers to processors who distribute them to grocers.
Size and shape matter
I was shocked to learn that 25% of cucumbers grown in the US do not reach the consumer because they have an imperfection that doesn’t impact the taste or quality! For example, they aren’t the “right” size, are curved, or have a blemish on the skin.
That’s right. Stores won’t buy cucumbers that aren’t straight because consumers see them as ugly! What a waste!
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) every year, more than one-third of the world’s food is never consumed–approximately 1.3 billion metric tons. That equals an estimated $1 TRILLION of food loss and waste globally each year (plus decomposing food is a significant contributor to global warming).
The Produce Box is doing it’s part to help reduce food waste and encourage customers to eat the uglies. They provide discounted boxes that contain bargain and blemished produce. Items that taste just as good as a “perfect” item, they just aren’t as pretty.
The Produce Box is a fantastic service in North Carolina that provides boxes of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items directly from local farmers and other small business owners.
Each week there is a different selection, depending on what’s available and in season, and unlike a CSA, you choose exactly what, and how much, you want to purchase. It’s like a farmer’s market brought right to your door. (Want to become a member? Check it out here! Use my referral link and we will both receive a $10 credit!)
We ended up using the bulk of our ugly produce for a delicious stir fry that my 11 yo made all by herself! And it was delicious!
The beauty of a stir-fry is that you can customize it to your tastes. I hate mushrooms and onions so I steer clear of them. I love a spicy kick, but not all of my kids do, so I will add spicy peppers/sriracha sauce to a small portion of the meal.
Don’t eat meat? Use tofu or leave out the protein all together. Need to keep your sodium low? Skip the bottled sauce and make your own.
And the best part? Once you chop up your veggies and protein it only takes a few minutes to cook.
Dinner in under 15 minutes
A stir-fry a perfect meal when you are in a hurry but need something filling. You can have dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes.
If you prep the veggies ahead of time you will have dinner ready in a snap!
My youngest has soccer practice Tuesday nights and it can be difficult to get dinner ready before we have to leave. My husband is working in Wisconsin so I’m basically a single mom until November. I run around all day driving my girls to and from school/college, completing errands, and trying to get my work done before everyone is home and things get even more complicated.
Eat The Uglies Stir Fry
Eat The Uglies Stir-Fry
The beauty of a stir-fry is that you can customize it any way you want. I hate mushrooms and onions so I steer clear of them. I love a spicy kick, but not all of my kids do, so I will add spicy peppers/sriracha sauce to a small portion of the meal. I love to add asparagus, snow peas, and kohlrabi.
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 large yellow squash, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 red pepper, julienned
- 1 orange pepper, julienned
- 1 yellow pepper, julienned
- 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned or cut into 1/8 inch rounds
- 1 - 2 pounds protein, cut into 1" chunks (I used chicken thighs, but any type meat or tofu will work)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 bottle teriyaki stir-fry sauce (optional)
Instructions
Chop your veggies and protein.
Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or large sauté pan over a burner set to medium, add the chicken. Brown, but do not fully cook it (about 3 minutes, stirring to brown all sides). Add the carrots to the pan and about 1/3 of the bottle of sauce. Sauté for a few minutes until the carrots begin to soften, then add the peppers. Stir in a bit more sauce, sauté for 2-3 minutes before adding the zucchini and squash (or they will get soggy). Add the rest of the sauce, if desired. Turn up the heat to medium high and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is fully cooked and veggies are al dente (or to your liking).
Serve immediately over rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
If you don't want to use a store bought stir-fry sauce you can make your own very easily. Many times I will just toss in some soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar with a splash of sriracha. I might add some Chinese Five Spice (ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, szechuan peppercorns) for a little extra flavor, and if needed, stir in a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 213Total Fat: 5.9gSaturated Fat: 1.6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4.3gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 1137mgCarbohydrates: 16.1gFiber: 2gSugar: 9.9gProtein: 23.9g
What are you doing to help reduce food waste? Encourage your family to eat the uglies!
Read my post here about the unique Ninja Cow Farm and how they are doing their part to eliminate food waste.
What a shame that so much food is being wasted like that! I would totally take the “uglies” – after all it all ends up in the same place in the end…my belly!
Yummy recipe! Love the concept of this program and how it’s reducing food waste. I love that it’s really affordable as well.
There are many ways to eat the ends and cuttings from food. Making vegetable stock is a favorite to use them up.
It is such a shame to waste any good food, I would always eat an ugly piece. I love a good stir fry meal and so do my kids.
We eat all sorts of vegetables, no matter what they appear. We grow some of our own, too, and they are not always perfect.
I like this idea. I do hate wasting food. I don’t mind if food is ugly. If it tastes good, I’ll eat it!
I try to reduce our household food waste. This is a great reminder for everyone to be conscientious of this issue. It’s crazy how much food gets wasted in a typical house.
I’m so happy to see this movement gaining traction; it’s unbelievable how much good food is wasted. Now, to share more of it with those in need 🙂
Food waste is such a big problem in developed countries. I saw a recent episode of Master Chef and the challenge was to make a gourmet meal out of “scraps”. And wow, they made delicious dishes. Just like this one! Love recipes that help us waste less.
We eat so many vegetables! I love this !
I am always shocked by how much produce doesn’t make it to the consumer because it doesn’t look right. The Produce Box certainly seems like they’re working to fix that with their blemish box!
It is shame to waste any food, I like the idea of productbox. Wasting just because of it shapes, we can use them and turn them into great meal. By the way you made a filling meal with those veggies.
YES!!! I think it is SO sad how many vegetables are just thrown away since they don’t look perfect. Produce Box sounds fantastic. Definitely looking into it!
I love cucumbers and I don’t care what shape they are in…LOL! I need to start shopping for the ugly veggies!
What a neat concept that is. I admit, I have always bought produce that looks a certain way, not referring to shape but rather other imperfections like gouges, etc.
Nice to be aware on how vegetables planted in a right way. I have in my yards too and would love to cook veggies.
Honestly, we waste so much food because of this mindset and it’s heartbreaking knowing that there are people who also grow hungry and we’re here not buying veggies because they look “ugly”! I think it’s awesome that you’re sharing this and that you’re promoting eating the “uglies” because, really, why waste good food!
Wow, this is a great initiative. I guess, this would lessen the vegetables or foods that are being wasted because its not nice to look at. As long as it gives the same nutrient, its fine with me using such.
I love this idea! A lot of food might just need a little bit extra prep; no big deal!
The amount of food that goes to waste is pretty scary . I would love to do anything to help!
You know I LOVE the uglies!!! 😉
Thanks! This looks so simple to make, yet looking really satisfying and tasty!
Thank you for sharing this!