As planning gets underway for Scotland’s annual celebration of the Bard, Zero Waste Scotland is encouraging Scots to make the most of the food they buy and avoid wasting their Burns Night fare.
With simple planning – like making a shopping list and buying for the number of guests you’re expecting – Scots can avoid wasting money and good food. If the “best laid schemes o’mice an’ men” on food planning still fall short, there are plenty of ways to save that delicious Scottish scran from waste and make sure not a morsel of your haggis supper goes in the bin.
Zero Waste Scotland’s Love Food Hate Waste Campaign Manager, Ylva Haglund, said: “Burns Night is a celebration that so many of us love to enjoy and share with family and friends, and it’s such a shame to see fantastic Scottish food go to waste. Many people are surprised to hear that once the traditional supper is done there are lots of really easy, tasty dishes you can create from leftover haggis – and save money by making full use of the food you’ve bought and avoiding another shop.”
James Macsween, Managing Director of award-winning Scottish haggis producers Macsween, said: “If your Chieftain haggis has proven to be too big a portion this year, Zero Waste Scotland’s Love Food Hate Waste has some great recipes to ensure that nothing goes to waste. And from haggis nachos to lasagne, there’s plenty of inspiration to help you enjoy Scotland’s national dish all year round.”
Zero Waste Scotland estimates that every household in Scotland could save around £460 a year simply by wasting less food. Despite that, Scots throw away the equivalent of 800 million meals every year – enough to feed everyone in Scotland three times a day for 50 days.
For inspiration on making the most of your Burns Night feast, follow these top tips:
Freezing and storing
· When you buy your haggis look for the number of people it serves on the packet, or ask your butcher what size you’ll need.
· You can freeze just about anything – including haggis! If you’ve bought more than you need or you’re not cooking it immediately, stick it in the freezer and defrost it when you need it. Once it’s defrosted keep refrigerated and use it within two weeks.
· If you’re shopping in advance, wash, chop, bag and freeze neeps and tatties to keep them fresh and save you time on January 25. They will retain the same nutritional value as if you prepared them on the day.
· Leftover mash can be frozen as is and defrosted later as a side dish for another meal.
Leftovers
If you’ve overbought, keep leftovers aside and get creative with quick and easy recipes, such as:
· Haggis pakora with lime mayo
· Bubble cakes, for leftover mash
New Year’s resolutions – how to cut down on food waste in 2017
· Only attempt a big food shop if you’ve prepared a shopping list to avoid buying food you won’t use.
· Remember to check your cupboards first before you go shopping, as you may already have a lot of the ingredients you need.
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