It’s a heartbreaking truth that an astonishing amount of food is thrown away on a regular basis, not just during special occasions like Christmas or Ramadan. However, the good news is that we can all do better by being more strategic about our meals and learning how to safely reutilize cooked food.

Let’s delve into the details. The statistics are quite staggering. Were you aware that a whopping 17% of all food produced globally is wasted? To put it into perspective, that’s over 930 million tons of food, according to a report from the UN. Even more disheartening is the fact that 61% of this waste occurs right in our own homes.

Equally as disheartening is the reality that 3.1 billion people on our planet struggle to afford or prepare meals for themselves and their families. It’s not just food that’s being wasted, but also the precious resources that go into producing it—such as water, land, and electricity.

Whether it’s a festive Christmas feast or a simple weekday dinner, we are all guilty of cooking excessive amounts and then allowing the leftovers to languish in the fridge until they’re no longer safe to consume. However, there are some simple tips to help reduce waste while ensuring that those delicious leftovers do not go to waste.

So, what exactly constitutes food waste? Food waste occurs at every stage of the food production process, known as “from farm to fork.” However, the majority—54%—occurs in our own homes. Shockingly, this amounts to a staggering 131 kilograms (288 pounds) per person, per year.

How can we reduce our food waste? Well, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization has a plethora of ideas to assist us. One simple solution is to plan ahead and only purchase what is truly necessary. It may require a little extra effort, but it pays off in the long run. It is also vital to understand the distinction between “best before” and “use by” dates, and to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh.

Speaking of leftovers, they are a breeding ground for food poisoning. It is imperative to follow the “four Cs” to ensure that leftovers remain safe to eat: Cleaning, Chilling, Cooking, and avoiding Cross-contamination. This means keeping your kitchen clean, properly storing food, cooking it thoroughly, and avoiding the mixing of different types of food.

When it comes to reheating leftovers, be sure to do so thoroughly to eliminate any harmful bacteria that may have developed during refrigeration. And always monitor the expiry dates and the condition of your leftovers—trust your senses of sight, smell, and touch.

Whether you are cooking a dish for the first time or reviving yesterday’s leftovers, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Ensure that your food is piping hot and emitting a steamy aroma before indulging. And most importantly, savor every bite!

So, let’s make a commitment to be more resourceful in the kitchen, minimize food waste, and relish every morsel of our delicious meals—without any setbacks.