Despite being perfectly nutritious and fresh, "ugly" fruit and veg has always had a hard time making it to the plate. Whether it's a misshapen potato or a knobbly carrot, millions of tonnes of cosmetically challenged produce doesn't even make it to supermarket shelves simply because it's not pleasing on the eye.
However there's been growing call for change. Due to celebrity and media exposure, this massive waste has been publicised widely and the major supermarkets are now starting to offer "wonky veg" boxes to consumers at discounted rates.
It doesn't stop there though. Many wholesalers are now able to deliver "ugly" produce at a better price than their perfectly presented counterparts. It's certainly worth checking to see what's available from your supplier.
Ugly Veg Prep
Let's face it, no matter how they are dressed up, deformed or twisted carrots rarely make it to the table of restaurant customers "as is". However, once mashed, diced or puréed, root vegetables are perfectly tasty and wholesome - and substantially cheaper to make. You can use a commercial Vegetable Preparation Machine to save time and produce consistent, gourmet-style smooth results with the minimum of effort.
Ugly Fruit Prep
Luckily there's loads of ways to prepare fruit to make delicious desserts or drinks. Whether you're making indulgent ice cream or refreshing smoothies, it doesn't really make much difference what the fruit looked like before it was added to the mix. Intentionally choosing "ugly" fruit means your costs are reduced and your margins improve.
Just don't forget to use a commercial ice cream maker or bar blender for fast and tasty results.
Anything else?
As mentioned earlier, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of food waste generally. If your business actively promotes sustainability and green credentials, using ugly fruit and vegetables can be seen as a great environmental initiative to further these goals. Some restaurants actively advertise that they use these products to reduce food waste, a great addition and perhaps even a USP which can be shared on your social media channels.
By David Evans
