Nutritionists gave tips on how to save spoiled foods
On average, Australian households throw away about 30% of the food they buy, which amounts to 2.5 million tons of food annually. In the context of the cost-of-living crisis, when fuel and food prices are rising, experts are calling for a creative approach to recycling products that remain safe for health. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on June 1.
It should be understood that it will not be possible to save all the products. This is because they could become unfit for human consumption. Experts recommend paying attention to such key signs as visible mold, mucus, liquid leakage and strong or sour odors. If the product is affected by one or more of these factors, it is better to discard it in order to avoid food poisoning.
At the same time, wrinkles on vegetables, darkening of fruits or dryness are often only signs of aging, not harmful spoilage. For example, the expert advises using darkened bananas to make banana bread or smoothies, but they should be stored separately from fresh fruits due to the ethylene gas released. Wrinkled apples are suitable for stewing or baking, and dried citrus peel can be added to marinades and desserts. For hard fruits, it is acceptable to cut off the moldy area with a margin of several centimeters, while moldy soft berries must be discarded entirely.
"Flaccid or shriveled vegetables have lost moisture, but that doesn't necessarily mean they've gone bad. They can be baked, mashed, or added to all dishes, from soups to curries. Soaking in ice water can also be used to revitalize leafy greens such as spinach or kale. To do this, separate the leaves and soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to restore their moisture," the article says.
At the same time, the nutritionist emphasizes that green or heavily sprouted potatoes cannot be eaten because of the content of toxins. Starchy foods such as rice or pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days and heated to a temperature of at least 60 degrees.
Special attention is paid to dairy products and bread. Due to the porous structure, moldy bread or soft cheeses are not salvageable, as the fungal spores penetrate deep inside. On the contrary, with hard cheeses such as parmesan, mold can be cut off. It is recommended to dispose of milk and yoghurts immediately after the expiration date, as they are often consumed without heat treatment, which kills bacteria.
On May 25, Pavel Berezhansky, a pediatrician, MD, Professor of the Department of Pediatric Diseases at Sechenov University, spoke about the rules for providing care for rotavirus. The specialist noted that rotavirus is often transmitted through ice, as it is well preserved when frozen. In this regard, he urged to avoid drinks with ice of dubious origin. Berezhansky also stressed the importance of hygiene. According to him, there is often no specific treatment for such infections, and if the condition worsens, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help, especially if it concerns children.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
