What Happens to Leftover Food From Cooking Shows?

What Happens to Leftover Food From Cooking Shows?

As we watch our favorite cooking shows, we often see chefs whipping up a delicious dish, only to use a tiny portion of it. This leaves us wondering, "What happens to the rest of the food?"

The Truth About Food Waste on Cooking Shows

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Fear not, for Food Network stars detest food waste just as much as we do. In a recent podcast episode of "All on the Table with Katie Lee Biegel," Sunny Anderson joined her co-host of "The Kitchen" and shared that they originally bonded in their joint audition because of their shared distaste for unnecessary food waste.

Reducing Food Waste on Set

The celebrity chefs admit that sometimes perishable ingredients do get disposed of on the show, but for the most part, the recipes made almost never go to waste. When asked about the food waste, Anderson shared that she and Biegel used to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches together and bonded over their desire not to waste bread.

The Crew to the Rescue

Biegel explains that while there might be some food waste on set, it’s largely mitigated by the crew’s love for food. "There’s a crew of, like, 70, 80 people that are there eating the food," she shares. Not only does the crew help reduce waste, but Biegel also reveals that any leftover food gets donated to a local food pantry.

From Set to Table

Anderson and Biegel prioritize reducing food waste by saving it for later or donating it. In fact, the stars are given their own mini fridges and a quart-sized container in their dressing rooms, encouraging them to take home any leftover food they want.

The Impact of Food Waste

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that 30 to 40% of food is never eaten, and 85% of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of landfilled food waste. Any efforts to limit food waste, whether on the set of a cooking show or in our own kitchens, is crucial.

Combating Food Waste at Home

If you’re looking for simple ways to reduce food waste in your own home, here are a few ideas to get you started:

Composting
Compost any leftover fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, and nut shells, which can be used as fertilizer for your garden or plants.

Getting Creative
Associate editor Carolyn Malcoun recommends repurposing random veggies by making a pot of Clean-Out-the-Fridge Vegetable Soup. You can use practically anything in it, and bump up the protein by adding some canned beans or leftover cooked chicken, steak, or tofu.

Freezing Perishables
Have a spare loaf of bread? Pop it in the freezer! Frozen bread is great for French toast or stuffing. You can also freeze your produce, keeping it at its peak ripeness.

Conclusion

The next time you watch a cooking show, remember that the food waste is not as bad as it seems. The stars of your favorite shows, just like you, are passionate about reducing food waste and making a positive impact on the environment.

FAQs

Q: What percentage of food is never eaten?
A: 30-40%

Q: What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions is caused by landfilled food waste?
A: 85%

Q: How can I reduce food waste in my own kitchen?
A: Compost, get creative with leftovers, and freeze perishables

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