We are all guilty of selecting fruit and vegetables based solely on their looks. Standing under the harsh neon lights of our grocery stores and supermarkets, we hunt for the most cosmetically appealing tomatoes and brush over the bruised ones. While there is value in selecting some fruit and veg based on appearance (avocados quickly come to mind in this category), the fact is that we waste far too much food for superficial reasons such as looks.
As The National reported, some grocery stores are attempting to end negative connotations surrounding funky-looking fruit. One such initiative called I Am Imperfect will begin in Abu Dhabi in April. Produce that would otherwise be discarded will be offered for a lower price in participating stores such as Spinneys. Aside from limiting food wastage, a critical challenge across society, this initiative will have a profound educational effect.
Unlike other parts of the world, our climate cannot sustain a large-scale farming sector. While there are steps being taken to remedy this issue, at present we rely on the import of food for the majority of our food stocks. As such, we can enjoy any type of fruit or vegetable at any time of the year regardless of season. But something intrinsic is lost in our lack of seasonal eating.
When we eat according to what is available based on season, we learn to embrace funky-looking potatoes or squashes or jack fruits. Anyone who has visited a farmers’ market knows the joy in seeing the variety and type of produce on offer. We are not alone in losing out on this aspect of food. Factory farming in places such as the United States means that even in the dead of winter, summer fruits are available in grocery stores.
Imperfection is a supremely natural aspect of produce and should not necessarily be avoided.
Embracing imperfect food can help our society get back in tune with nature and perhaps even eat better. After all, after we cut up funny-looking fruits and vegetables, they look the same as perfect specimens anyway.
