Fit for winter - healthy and sustainable through the cold season with the right preparation in October
Kira Zabe
October 11, 2024
October is the perfect time not only to prepare for the darker and colder months, but also to lay the foundations for a sustainable and healthy diet. As nature goes into its resting phase, we can already take steps now to get through the coming winter healthy, full of energy and without wasting food unnecessarily. With the pantry app, you have the opportunity to consciously stock up, make the most of your kitchen and get through the winter in good health.
Plan supplies cleverly - now is the best time!
October marks the transition from the abundance of the harvest season to a time when fresh, seasonal produce becomes scarcer. So it's the perfect time to rethink and adjust your stockpile. With a few smart strategies, you can make sure you have healthy and nutritious meals available in winter without having to shop constantly.
Some storage tips:
Grains and pulses:long-life foods such as quinoa, rice, lentils or beans should have a permanent place in your stash. Not only are they rich in protein and fiber, they are also versatile and can be used in soups, stews and salads.Preserves and fermented foods:Whether sauerkraut, kimchi or pickled cucumbers - fermented foods not only have an extremely long shelf life, but are also good for your gut health. Now is the time to make these foods yourself or buy them fresh to enjoy in winter.TheSmantry.apphelps you to manage your supplies and not forget anything. With the integrated expiration date tracker, you can keep an eye on when you should use up which food before it goes off.
Meal prepping for the winter
Meal prepping is not only a wonderful way to save time, but also a clever strategy to get through the winter without stress. You can use October to prepare and freeze larger quantities of stews, soups or lasagnas. This way, you'll always have a quick, healthy meal ready when the days get shorter and busier.
Meal prep ideas for winter:
Vegetable stews:use seasonal ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes and root vegetables to make hearty stews that you can freeze in portions.Soups:Pumpkin soup, potato soup or a spicy lentil soup are ideal candidates for the freezer. Soups can be reheated wonderfully and spiced up with fresh herbs.Oven dishes:Lasagnas, casseroles and quiches are perfect for preparing in advance and freezing. You can reheat them directly in the oven and have a full meal on the table in no time.
Sustainable shopping and storage
Conscious shopping in October also means focusing on local and seasonal products that store well. Go for long-life varieties such as root vegetables, pumpkins and apples. Not only can they be stored for a long time, but they also provide many nutrients that strengthen your immune system in winter.
Storage tips:
Root vegetables:Carrots, beet and potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark place for weeks or even months. Make sure to store them in a dry and well-ventilated place.Pumpkin:Hokkaido and butternut squash have a long shelf life if stored in a cool, dry place. They are versatile and are suitable for both soups and oven dishes.Apples:Regional apple varieties harvested in October can be stored for months under the right conditions. Make sure to store them separately from other fruit, as they release ethylene, which causes other fruit to ripen faster.The Smantry app helps you to buy and store seasonal produce in a targeted way, so that you avoid food waste and always get the best out of your stock.
Boost your immune system for the winter
October is also the time to do something good for your body and prepare your immune system for winter. In addition to a healthy, balanced diet, you can now incorporate fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi, which are rich in probiotics and promote gut health. Sufficient fresh fruit and vegetables, such as apples and pumpkin, also provide the necessary vitamins to strengthen the immune system.
Let winter come - you're well prepared! Start now with the Smantry.app, organize your supplies cleverly, discover seasonal recipes and prepare for the cold season stress-free. Download the app and get your kitchen cupboard ready for winter. 🌱❄️
👉 Use the pantry app now and enjoy the winter!
New laws on food waste in Spain
Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.
Key provisions of the law:
Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.
Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.
Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.
Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.
Sanctions for violations:
Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.
Critique and Outlook:
While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.
Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.
Join in and reduce food waste! 🌱📲
Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.
👉 Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! 💚 Try it now!
Sustainable barbecue – how to make your BBQ eco-friendly & delicious
The sun is shining, the evenings are getting longer – it's finally BBQ season again! But even when barbecuing, you can save a lot of CO₂, avoid waste, and even be really creative. In this blog, we'll show you how sustainable grilling works – without sacrifice, but with lots of flavor and responsibility. 🌱🔥
1. Shop regionally & seasonally
The foundation for sustainable grilling starts with shopping. Instead of relying on grill classics that have traveled far, it's worth taking a look at what's available locally:
- Seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms are perfect for grilling.
- Fruits like peaches or pineapples add a sweet touch to the grill.
- Regional cheese or Tofu from European organic soy are great alternatives to imported or meat-heavy products.
💡Tip: Use the Smantry App to see what ingredients you have at home and what you can conjure up with them.
2. Less (but better quality) meat
Meat has a high carbon footprint – but you don't have to give it up entirely. Pay attention to:
- Organic quality
- Species-appropriate husbandry
- Regionality
Alternatives such as marinated cauliflower, halloumi skewers, or homemade lentil burgers are not only climate-friendly but also really tasty.
3. Grill without aluminum foil
Aluminum foil is harmful to the environment – and can even be hazardous to health when heated. Instead, use:
- Stainless steel grill pans
- Grill baskets
- Banana leaves or corn husks as natural packaging
- Reusable skewers made of stainless steel or wood
4. Upcycling Recipes: Smartly Repurposing Leftovers
After barbecuing, there's often something left over. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled vegetables can be turned into a salad or wrap the next day.
- Bread leftovers are turned into crispy croutons.
- Fruit leftovers are perfect for a fruity iced tea or sorbet.
The Smantry App helps you keep track even after the BBQ – and avoid wasting food.
5. Conscious Grilling: Ambiance over Mass Production
Sustainable grilling also means: Less is more.
- Eat consciously, instead of preparing extra-large portions
- Plan your shopping efficiently and without excess with the app
- Avoid single-use products like plastic cutlery or paper plates – a BBQ is more enjoyable with nice dishes anyway!
In conclusion: Sustainable grilling is easy – with the right planning
With a little preparation and creativity, your barbecue will not only be delicious, but also good for the environment. And the best part: You don't have to make any compromises. The Smantry App helps you to use everything you already have – for less waste and more enjoyment.
🔥 Open the app now, check supplies, and grill sustainably!
Have fun with your barbecue –
your team at Smantry 🍢🌽♻️
Ice cream from leftovers? Here's how to make homemade zero-waste ice cream! 🍦♻️
Even better: You can easily make your own ice cream using ingredients that might otherwise end up in the trash. Overripe bananas, leftover yogurt, or the last bit of almond milk – all of these are perfect for whipping up a delicious and sustainable ice cream in no time.
Why homemade ice cream?
You know what's inside. No additives, no artificial flavors.
You save food. Many leftovers are perfect for freezing.
You save money.Buying ice cream is a thing of the past – your freezer is now the ice cream parlor.
3 simple leftover recipe ideas for ice cream:
🍌 1. Banana Peanut Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (or other nut leftovers)
- 1 shot of plant-based milk
Preparation:
Slice bananas, freeze them. Then blend with the remaining ingredients – and your creamy Nicecream is ready!
🍓 2. Yogurt Berry Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- Leftover frozen berries or fresh berries that have become soft
- 1 tsp honey or syrup
Preparation:
Mix everything and either eat immediately or freeze in ice molds.
☕ 3rd Coffee-Chocolate Slush
Ingredients:
- Leftover coffee from the morning
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- A piece of overripe banana or some agave syrup
- Ice cubes
Preparation:
Crush all ingredients in a blender – a caffeinated summer dream!
Even more leftovers? No problem!
With Smantry you can see at a glance which ingredients you have at home – perfect for creating your own ice cream. This way, your leftovers can become little summer highlights.
In conclusion:
Leftover utilization has never been so tasty! 🍨
So: Open the freezer, scan the leftovers, and start mixing!
👉 Use the app now and waste nothing
♻️ For the love of your supplies – and ice cream.
Food waste in international comparison – Who does what?
🇫🇷 France – Legally Against Waste
France is considered a pioneer in the fight against food waste. Since 2016, supermarkets have been prohibited from throwing away edible food. Instead, they must donate or repurpose it. Schools and universities are increasingly focusing on educational programs for sustainable nutrition. As a result, France is now among the countries with the lowest proportion of wasted food in Europe.
🇰🇷 South Korea – Smart Waste Fees
In South Korea, households pay for their food waste by weight – through RFID chips in garbage bins or special garbage bags with barcodes. This financial incentive has led to South Korea now recycling 95% of its organic waste. The system is combined with extensive educational efforts and the promotion of biogas and composting facilities.
🇩🇰 Denmark – The movement comes from below
Denmark relies on the power of the community. Initiatives such as "Stop Spild Af Mad" (Stop Food Waste) have sparked societal debates. Moreover, supermarkets like Wefood exclusively offer food products past their best before date – and at low prices. The acceptance among the population is high, and schools are actively incorporating the topic as well.
🇯🇵 Japan – Tradition Meets Technology
In Japan, food waste is also culturally associated with a strong sense of shame – this helps. Additionally, there is a focus on innovation: companies use AI for better inventory planning or apps that indicate when food should be consumed in the household. Bento shops also use data to precisely adjust their offerings to the daily demand.
🇩🇪 Germany – Between Movement and Potential
Germany is making progress: Initiatives such as Too Good To Go, Foodsharing or apps like the Speisekammer App / Smantry help to reduce waste in everyday life. Legally, however, it is not as advanced as France – although the pressure is increasing. 40% of the wasted food occurs in private households – this shows how important individual solutions are.
🌍 What we can learn from it
Whether through smart technology, legal requirements, or social movements: the fight against food waste needs many perspectives – and all are important. The good news: every single step counts.
With the Speisekammer App / Smantry you can start right at home – with smart pantry management, reminders for expiring food, and clever shopping planning.
👉 Discover the app now and make your contribution: smantry.com