We as consumers, naturally want the 'best' and 'most' for our buck, or at least what we perceive as such. Now that is all fine and dandy as certain things go, for instance; we wouldn't pick up a loaf of sandwich bread that is already smooshed or a carton of eggs with cracked ones or even a box from the shelf, that has either a razor type slash or is slightly marred in any way.
This of course is understandable, but sometimes this attitude makes certain very special produce a target to be forgotten. We all love the perfectly round and bright tomato when picking our fruits. We want to eat the rainbow and the colors to match. We want the stuff of legend and much falsity like the burgers and food scenes we see on television and in ads. We want the straight, perfect carrots like the ones Bugs Bunny always had. The banana must be free of bruising and the pepper should sit upright when placed on the table. You get the drift. The 'ugly' produce is left in back or never even makes the cut when the buyer checks the crates or boxes. Poor little veggies... "What's in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet."
Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)
A simple truth, resonating from words, centuries past. Let's give these loving morsels a chance, your carrot cakes,veggie medleys, casseroles and risottos will taste the same, if not better. Especially if you're going to cut it up anyway. Better because we are doing a service to the energy it takes to grow produce. Better because of the land usage and care the farmer, commercial or residential, has put into the finished product. Better because the poverty levels in the United States are still rising. Children are hungry during the summer without school breakfasts and lunches to supplement.
We are at the helm of being some of the most wasteful consumers in the world. We snub the ugly produce, while some long only for basic sustenance of a meal, that they didn't have to wait days for...
We must set aside the superficiality of our exacting standards, as far as food image is concerned.
On a lighter note, the people in the know, myself included, are fine with the imperfect produce and are able to cop these babies at a discount, saving upwards of 30 to 50% off, which for any economically savvy individual means lower food costs for the family. I think their design makes them special and unique, individuals among minions. Betterthaneverians. Not to mention the fun you can have guessing all the things it resembles. Thanks! And while you're at it, get on board and enjoy the bumpy, gnarled, Siamese twin looking ride! Be kind to the "Ugly" and "Imperfect" Produce and it will certainly be kind, delicious and money saving to you and for you!
Stop Hating, Start Eating.
