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Making the most of vegetable boxes - ABC News

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As we try to reduce our trips the shops, having produce boxes with fresh veggies delivered can be a good option.

But if you're used to shopping with meals in mind, receiving a mixed box can be a little overwhelming.

It might include vegetables you've never cooked with, or too much.

"The contents will vary depending on the size you purchase; a big box may lead to waste if you can't use it all up," says Travis Harvey, executive chef at OzHarvest.

Fruit and vegetables aren't cheap right now, so here are some tips to help you make the most of your produce box.

What can you expect?

Veggie boxes can vary greatly depending on the supplier and size, explains Mr Harvey.

In most cases they include produce that is local, fresh and seasonal.

We looked at a range of companies that supply produce boxes. Prices can vary between $35 and $110 depending on who you go with and how much you need.

Mr Harvey recommends opting for a smaller box with enough quality veggies to make a couple of meals and using the rest to compliment other dishes.

Chef Klarisa Cengic runs a wholefoods cafe in Canberra.

She says generally you can expect a lot of the "stock standard" produce. For example zucchini, onion, potato, carrot, capsicum and something leafy such as lettuce or spinach.

It's a good idea to decide what kind of box you'd like to go with, Ms Cengic says, even if it's just knowing whether you'd like organic produce, or items like bread and herbs, too.

Let's get cooking

One of the best parts of a veggie box is the chance to be creative, says Mr Harvey.

When you receive the produce, he says to have a good look through it. Ms Cengic recommends laying it all out.

Our chefs suggest separating them into two piles; what you know you'll use, and what you're a little unsure about.

You can then search online for recipes that use those ingredients.

Ms Cengic says thinking of the vegetable as the hero, rather than a side, will help with inspiration. She recommends trying whole roasted cauliflower.

Mr Harvey is a fan of pumpkin soup and vegetable curries.

"Then add the rest to other meals like stir-fries, salads and side dishes," he says.

If you're used to cooking Italian or Asian food, for example, think about branching out to other cuisines. It might inspire new menu ideas.

Reducing food waste

Planning your meals is the best way to avoid food waste, says Mr Harvey.

"If you order a veggie box, take stock of the contents and plan out how you are going to use all the different veggies over the week.

If you reach the end of the week with some random veggies leftover, there are a few ways to use them up.

Pickling is a creative way to use your produce differently, say Ms Cengic.

"You can add them to buddha bowls, salads and tacos."

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How to make quick pickles

She also saves the cut-offs from her veggies to make a vegetable stock at the end of the week, or freezes them in a bag for when she's ready.

Another way to reduce waste is make sure your produce goes the distance.

Storage — including separating bruised vegetables from undamaged ones, freezing what you don't use and keeping root vegetables in the dark and leafy greens in an airtight environment — will help you achieve this.

If you're trying veggie boxes for the first time, cut yourself some slack.

You might not nail it straight away, but once you've tried one and had a go at meal planning, it'll get easier!

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Making the most of vegetable boxes - ABC News
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