Chef cooks up drive to cut food waste

CHEF Tom Kitchin has kicked off a new national campaign to stop food waste and is encouraging Scotland's householders to do their bit by buying seasonal and local produce.

The Michelin-star chef helped launch the national Love Food Hate Waste campaign with a visit to the orchards of South Queensferry's Craigies Fruit Farm, where he picked locally grown, seasonal fruits such as apples and plums.

Lending his backing to the campaign, which launches today, he said: "We are committed to a strict no-waste policy at The Kitchin.

"We're passionate about the seasonality, freshness and flavour of the produce we use, and avoiding waste doesn't have to mean compromising on that. In fact, some of the best dishes can come from being creative, using every piece of produce possible and experimenting with ingredients.

"For us, the produce comes first and our dishes are always in line with the seasons. I visit our suppliers personally and ask them what they can recommend fresh that day.

"Many people try to start with a recipe first, but it's better to look at the ingredients you have and then find a recipe that makes the most of them. It's the best way to avoid any waste and it also encourages you to experiment in the kitchen."