Chiquita is looking to help solve one of the world’s major current problems, food waste, by offering useful tips on how to make sure that no Chiquita bananas go unused.
The fresh produce giant pointed out that tonnes of unused fruits, vegetables and other edibles end up in the garbage, and ultimately in landfill.
'Here, they rot and become a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas,' the group explained. 'Statistics show that up to half of all food produced is never eaten, amounting to a value of US$1 trillion of food waste. There is also the added cost of over US$172bn worth of water waste in result of disposing processes.'
Chiquita has worked to combat food waste with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organisation. Through the partnership, in 2019 alone, 4.2m pounds of Chiquita bananas have been rescued and donated to people who have needed a nutritious snack.
The group is now focusing on ensuring overripe bananas don't go to waste, recommending their use in a wide range of savoury or sweet recipes, or even freezing them for future smoothies.
'Even banana peels can be used in various ways: rub them on your face to moisturise and reduce wrinkles, or use them to polish houseplant leaves or shoes,' Chiquita noted. 'They can even help to whiten your teeth or soothe headaches. Banana peels have antimicrobial properties and they also make great organic plant fertilisers when composted.
'Chiquita bananas are a fantastic fruit because they contain generous amounts of key minerals such as manganese, which is good for the skin, and potassium, which is important for heart health,' the group added. 'They are also a good source of soluble fibre, and are fat and cholesterol free, so no ripe banana should ever go to waste.'
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