Shriya Swaminathan

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Shriya Swaminathan

Avoiding food waste is one of the simplest and most basic things we as consumers can do to minimize harm to the environment. Between savvy ways to organize the fridge, opting for the not-so-pretty produce at the grocery store, and taking any leftovers from dining out to-go, there are plenty of handy hacks that can help reduce individual food waste. Recipe developers and creative home chefs also showcase unique ways to repurpose produce scraps that would have otherwise been tossed out.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Shriya Swaminathan

If you tend to gravitate toward tomato sauces that are less acidic, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor, without needing to spend hours hovering over the stove, it's time to look past the conventional can of red tomatoes. Say hello to your basic tomato sauce's new friend and possible upgrade: canned yellow tomatoes. While red varieties like San Marzanos are known for their bold acidity, yellow tomatoes offer a mellower, sweeter profile right out of the can.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Shriya Swaminathan

In the dark ages when plant-based cuisine wasn't as mainstream in the American culinary culture as it is today, a basic side of fries gained the reputation as the go-to default among vegetarian or vegan diners, particularly at fast food joints. And it makes sense right? Fries are nothing more than potatoes, oil, and salt. However, when you look deeper, some sneaky ingredients and cooking methods can render a humble fry unsuitable for those following a plant-based lifestyle.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Shriya Swaminathan

The idea of biting into soggy, waterlogged vegetables can be anything but appetizing, but does that mean overcooked produce should be sent straight to the bin? Absolutely not, because there are ingenious and tasty ways to avoid food waste. Overcooked vegetables are no exception to culinary hacks that can revive them into a palatable and enjoyable meal. What's the magic trick, you ask? Easy -- just puree them into hearty soups, stews, and sauces.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Shriya Swaminathan

Leafy greens are staples when it comes to health-conscious eating given the range of vital nutrients each variety has to offer. However, despite how they may appear, not all greens are created equally. When perusing the produce section to prepare a fresh, crunchy salad or build a balanced sandwich, it's easy to assume that greens such as radicchio and endive are simply more colorful or bitter types of lettuce.