Show Some Love for Wonky Veggies

When we think of food waste, most of us imagine leftovers pushed to the back of the fridge or bread going stale. But a huge part of the problem starts long before food reaches our plates: at the farm. Every year, tons of perfectly edible fruits and vegetables are thrown away simply because they don’t meet “supermarket beauty standards.” A carrot that’s too curvy, an apple with a spot, or a cucumber that’s not quite straight don’t even get a chance. They’re rejected, even though they taste just as good (and are just as nutritious) as their “perfect-looking” cousins.

Even bruised fruits and vegetables taste just as good, and are just as nutritious, as "perfect" ones.

It’s time we show some love for wonky veg. Here’s why:

1. They’re just as healthy (and cheaper!)

A crooked carrot is still packed with beta-carotene. A speckled apple is still full of fiber and vitamin C. The nutrients are the same, and often the price is lower. That’s a win for both your health and your wallet.

2. Choosing them reduces food waste

By buying the fruits and vegetables that others overlook, you stop good food from going straight to the landfill. That’s food that’s been grown, watered, and harvested only to be tossed aside for not looking “perfect.”

3. You support sustainable farming

Imperfect produce often comes from farmers who use fewer pesticides and fertilizers. By choosing it, you’re supporting farming that’s better for the environment and for us.

4. They spark creativity in the kitchen

That bruised apple? Perfect for applesauce. Those overripe tomatoes? A rich, flavorful soup base. Bent carrots and slightly blemished peppers? Chop them into stir-fries, smoothies, or stews. Cooking with “seconds” challenges us to be resourceful and imaginative.

5. You make a real environmental impact

When food is wasted, so are the resources that went into growing it like land, water, and energy. Embracing wonky produce helps ensure those resources are not squandered.

A simple choice, a big difference

By saying yes to imperfect produce, you’re not just saving money, you’re helping fight food waste, supporting farmers, and caring for the planet.

At ThanksGiver Schweiz, we believe it’s not about how fruits and vegetables look —it’s about the goodness they bring to your plate, your health, and our shared world.

Eat sustainably, for a healthier planet and a healthier you.