How to clear out your fridge before going on holidayHow to Prep Your Kitchen Pre-Holiday

There’s something wholly comforting about a fridge full of food - but when your summer holiday is around the corner, it can quickly feel overwhelming. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. From getting creative with new recipes, to investing in freezer-friendly tupperware, clearing out your fridge can be a satisfying - and sustainable - task. Here are our favourite ways to avoid waste both during and after your trip.

1. Remember: You can freeze eggs and dairy products

Beat up your eggs and freeze them in labelled tupperware boxes or an ice cube tray. Standard ice cube trays hold 2 tablespoons per cube, which makes measuring ingredients for future recipes a breeze. If you have leftover milk, cream or yoghurt, blend it up with some fruit and pour the mixture into ice lolly moulds. They’re the perfect zero-waste treat for when you’re home and missing that holiday feeling.

2. Try a remixed pesto recipe

The beauty of pesto is that it can be made with any leafy herb. If you don’t have basil, then parsley or mint make great substitutes. Just blend the leaves with garlic, olive oil, parmesan and pine nuts. Don’t have parmesan or pine nuts? Make it vegan with a squeeze of lemon juice instead, and throw in any seed or nut you have to hand.

3. Create a fridge feast

Make a meal plan for the week ahead using up as many items in your fridge as possible. This is a fun way to challenge yourself and get creative. You can always dish your creations into portions then freeze them so you have stress-free meals to enjoy upon returning home.

4. Prepare your proteins for a later date

Whether it’s meat, beans or tofu, proteins are one of your most diverse ingredients. Once chopped and marinated, they can be added to elevate pretty much any dish. If you’ve got more than you can get through, then cook them and freeze them for a rainy day. You’ll thank yourself on nights that you feel too lazy to cook. 

5. Feed your freezer

If you don’t think you’re going to get through all of your fruit and vegetables, chop them up and freeze them. Frozen veg are a great way to bulk out any meal in the future - think stir fries, curries, pastas, risottos or pies. Similarly, frozen greens such as spinach can be blended with fruit and frozen into balls. They’re great for giving your smoothies an extra boost of nutrients.

6. Make ginger shots with your citrus fruit