What to do with leftover fruit

How often have you sadly binned a browned banana or overripe tomato? You can extend their shelf life with some simple storage hacks. Wrapping banana stems in foil slows down the ripening process, keeping them fresh for an additional 3-4 days. Tomatoes preserve their flavour best when stored at room temperature, shielded from sunlight, for 2-3 days. Berries last longer, when removed from their punnets and stored in a container lined with paper towels.

Keep it fresh, keep it fruity, with easy hacks that require no recipe. Simply freeze leftover fruit into an ice cube tray to create colourful cubes that will enhance your water or cocktails. This straightforward yet stylish approach boosts your hosting game, impressing your guests with minimal effort.

01

Fruity ice cream or sorbet

Quickly ripening fruits? A fruit dessert is always welcome, especially in warmer weather. Turn them into sensational ice cream, refreshing sorbet or frozen yoghurt bites. This  prevents wastage and serves as a refreshing treat for the whole family and quick snacks for the little ones. Leftover raspberries? Try these kid-friendly raspberry yoghurt popsicles. Blueberries on their way out? Repurpose them in these bite-sized blueberry yoghurt bites, covered in dark chocolate. Overripe bananas hanging around? Throw them into this banana brown bread ice cream for a moreish treat.

02

Fruity iced tea

Infusing leftover fruits in hot or cold water can make a warming or refreshing drink. The non-alcoholic beverage is ideal for entertaining and gives a flavoursome twist to traditional water. This peach and ginger ice tea is the perfect way to unwind after a hot summer’s day, while this pineapple ice tea is the ideal sip for a Sunday brunch al fresco. Leftover wine? Transform wilting fruit into a thirst-quenching sangria in no time.  From tropical to berries, the varieties are endless, and the results are always refreshing. If you don’t want to waste them after infusion, try our other ideas below and give your leftover fruits a second life.

03

Fruity snacks

Transform your leftover fruits into fruit leather, the perfect snack, especially for kids. It's an innovative and original way to repurpose your fruits and provide a healthier alternative to store-bought desserts. This dried, chewy snack doubles as a dessert topper and lunchbox favourite. Moreover, fruit leather has a great shelf life, ensuring you have a tasty snack whenever you need it. Leftover strawberries? Try these strawberry fruit rollups. Watermelon looking mushy? Don’t throw it out, make these easy watermelon fruit straps. You can even turn your leftover mango into these tasty mango straps.

04

Fruity smoothies

Morning smoothies are an excellent way to ensure no fruit goes to waste and are a great mid-afternoon pick me up, last minute breakfast or protein hit post workout. From those leftover berries sitting in the punnet to that half a banana lying around in the fridge, there's no end to the variations you can create with unused fruit. Try this berry bubble smoothie, packed with avocado, coconut milk, seasonal fruit and yoghurt for a creative take on bubble drinks.

Add some pantry items like nuts, oats, or spreads and start your day with a nutrient-rich drink, like this tropical oat smoothie. For a breakfast fit for a king, try this berry, kefir and oat smoothie packed with dates, bananas, berries and gut-boosting kefir. Fancy a refreshing juice? Try these ideas for some inspo. No juicer? No problem! A blender works just as well, allowing everyone to enjoy a fruit drink.

05

Fruity jams

Transforming leftover fruits into jams is a great way to eliminate waste and create versatile spreads. With just fruit and sugar from your pantry, you can concoct all kinds of jams that pair perfectly with cheeses, toasts, and holiday turkey dishes, or layer delectably in cakes. Gift a jar of jam  to a friend, and watch their eyes light up at such a thoughtful, handmade gift. Jams have an extensive shelf life, allowing you to relish the sweet, spiced flavours for months. If crafting compotes, remember to strain out rinds, skins, or chunky spices, leaving behind a smooth, fruity treasure perfect for enhancing breakfast and dessert dishes. Keep these creations refrigerated and revel in the resourceful use of your leftover fruits.

06

Fruity chutneys

Crafting chutneys is a clever way to use up leftover fruits and veggies, introducing a symphony of flavours to meats, cheeses, and sandwiches. Chutneys differ from jams by their savoury, tangy essence and are made from a mix of chunky fruit, veggies, vinegar and spices like ginger, mustard seeds, garlic and chilli. They pair well with a multitude of dishes, elevating them to gastronomic delights, from sumptuous curries, hearty pies or nestled on a cheese board. Try varying spices and recipes to concoct your personalised chutney masterpieces. Utilising every bit, even skins and peels, ensures minimal waste and maximal flavour. Don't forget, once your jar is opened, refrigerate to preserve the freshness and vibrancy of your innovative creation.

07

Fruity baking

Transform overripe fruits into baking masterpieces - their enhanced sweetness and softness breathe life into an array of breads, cakes, muffins and more.

Whether it's classic banana bread, a tantalising apple crumble or soft and fluffy blueberry muffin, leftover fruits are the secret ingredient, elevating both the texture and taste. The flavour possibilities are endless! You can also experiment with slices, pancakes and pastries. Use up the peels in this vegan tahini banana bread for a plant based brunch, captivate your guests with a stunning nectarine upside-down cake or use up oranges in this whole orange cake for a no waste afternoon treat. Don’t forget these strawberry and almond muffins—perfect portable treats, adding a burst of natural sweetness to your kid’s lunch boxes.