In every job, understanding your equipment is just as important as knowing how to do the job. Working in your kitchen is no different.
After 25 years working in the food industry, I've worked in professional kitchens and seen plenty of home kitchens. One thing I've noticed is how much equipment we collect that may only ever get used once or twice.
Mine is no different! 😂
With so many products on the shelves, how do you truly know what will actually help you?
We don't need massive kitchens to cook good food. We need well-stocked, organised kitchens with equipment that benefits us and suits the way we cook.
Take the humble potato peeler.
How hard is it to find a good one?
Currently, I'm peeling vegetables with my boning knife because my peeler no longer works.
The shop is within walking distance, but the thought of going there? OMG. Anxiety. I'd rather walk twice as far to the beach or park than walk into a shop. 😂
Anywhos, by avoiding the shop, I'm actually costing myself money.
I don't always peel my vegetables. It depends on what I'm making. But today I needed to, and using my knife meant taking off more than necessary.
That's perfectly good food going straight into the bin. Food I've already paid for.
It got me thinking. How much extra food waste am I creating simply because I'm avoiding buying the right equipment?
I can live without the extra food platters and fancy kitchen gadgets I buy, but a decent potato peeler? That little thing could actually save me money.
And that's the point.
Before buying another kitchen gadget, ask yourself: Will I use it regularly? Does it make preparing food easier? Will it save me time, money or waste? And do I already own something that does the same job?
A well-equipped kitchen isn't about how much equipment you own. It's about having the right equipment for the way you cook.
Sometimes reducing food waste isn't about what we buy at the supermarket. It's about making the most of what we've already bought.
Now I just need to convince myself to go buy the bloody peeler. 😂
Michelle – Founder of Pantrix
Every meal matters.