Neighbor kickstarting an ugly produce biz in Winter Hill

[mem-winterhill.livejournal.com]

At the brewery, as a pop up. I think that will be all the sustenance I'll need. Well, that and some of the lentils from the Nepali store on the corner.

Anyway, if you are so inclined, you can support the effort here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1959321701/neighborhood-produce-a-community-based-grocery-sto

Comments

[ron_newman]

"Ugly" ?

[twilighttremolo.livejournal.com]

"Ugly" produce is produce that doesn't fit the grocery-store ideal of what a food should look like. Some places specifically source from the rejects of larger grocery stores, others just don't have a rejection process -- both are able to cut costs that way.

From the kickstarter page OP linked to: "Every year millions of pounds of beautiful, nutritious produce is deemed unworthy due to the high cosmetic standards of today’s grocery industry, and are often called "ugly" or "misfit" produce. The natural growing process creates produce in many shapes and sizes, some with scars or blemishes, some large and small. These so-called "misfits" are no different than the perfect produce at the super market, except in size and appearance. In fact, some new studies suggest that these types of fruits and veggies may actually have more nutrients and antioxidants. Neighborhood Produce celebrates every fruit and veggie, and will proudly carry them in the store at affordable prices."

[mem-winterhill.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's actually a legit effort to reduce food waste.

http://www.endfoodwaste.org/ugly-fruit---veg.html

http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2014/12/09/369613561/in-europe-ugly-sells-in-the-produce-aisle

I happen to be a fan of mutants. Sometimes they are harder to cut because of the shape. But I can live with that challenge.

One thing I actually liked was smaller-than-average onions I bought from him at the festival. When cooking for myself, it's easier to use a tiny onion, for example, than to have a half cut one in the fridge until I get to use that up. And who needs a giant cabbage? I can't use it all fast enough.

Edit to add: Ugly veg has their own twitter feed https://twitter.com/UglyFruitAndVeg

[courtney (from livejournal.com)]

I agree. Being able to get smaller produce items is ideal for me as 9 times out of 10 I'm only cooking for myself. The alternative is for me to date someone and god only knows that's not happening ;)

[mem-winterhill.livejournal.com]

I would probably eat more cabbage (I have a recipe I love to make with mustard seeds and turmeric (http://www.girlcooksworld.com/2013/04/spicy-yellow-indian-cabbage.html)) but when I am faced with a cabbage the size of a basketball I just don't get enthused--because I'll waste it in my house.

But if I could get one the size of a softball--I'm there.

[siderea]

Oooh, what an intriguing recipe! Thanks!

[abilouise.livejournal.com]

Also, sometimes you get one that looks like a former president or two people scissoring or something and that's fun too.

[courtney (from livejournal.com)]

Ha!