While walking through a local market in Córdoba, I noticed something that would have been surprising in Canada or the Netherlands—lemons with spots, slight deformities, or minor blemishes that would never make it to the shelves abroad were being sold openly here.
But the most surprising thing? These lemons, though flawed on the outside, were bursting with juice and flavor inside. So why would they be rejected in other places? And how do Spain, the Netherlands, and Canada handle food waste?
Spain: A Practical Approach to Food
In Spain, particularly in local markets, the focus is more on practicality than perfection. Whether it’s spotted lemons, misshapen tomatoes, or slightly bruised peppers, if the food is good inside, it's sold and eaten. This approach reflects a broader cultural mindset where wasting food is seen as irresponsible—especially in regions with deep agricultural traditions. People here seem more focused on taste, freshness, and sustainability rather than on how perfect the produce looks.
Moreover, Spain has several initiatives to curb food waste. Too Good To Go, for example, is gaining popularity. It's an international company that was started in 2015 in Copenhagen to
fight food waste.
It connects consumers with surplus food from bakeries, restaurants, and supermarkets that would otherwise be thrown away. Local restaurants, bakeries, and even supermarkets offer "surprise bags" of unsold goods, all at a reduced price, which helps reduce waste while allowing consumers to enjoy great products for less.
Canada and the Netherlands: Cosmetic Standards & Changing Mindset
In contrast, both Canada and the Netherlands have historically had much stricter standards for produce. This means that blemished or imperfect fruits and vegetables are often discarded before they ever make it to the store shelves. In fact, many supermarkets in both countries are known for their impeccably polished displays of "perfect" produce, but at what cost?
However, mindsets are changing. In Canada, food rescue programs are growing. Many organizations collect unsellable or surplus food and distribute it to food banks. Programs like Second Harvest and Food Rescue Canada work to prevent edible food from ending up in landfills, turning potential waste into meals for those in need.
Similarly, in the Netherlands, initiatives like
Kromkommer (meaning crooked cucumber) have taken off, selling “wonky” vegetables that don't meet supermarket standards. Kromkommer (literally meaning "crooked cucumber") champions the idea that food doesn’t have to look perfect to taste great. Additionally, food-sharing platforms, where consumers can share surplus groceries or meals, are becoming more common.
The Role of Mindset, Education, and Sustainability
But why is it that some countries embrace blemished produce while others still struggle with it? It comes down to three key factors: mindset, education, and sustainability.
Mindset: Cultural attitudes toward food are a huge factor. In Spain, food is viewed in a more practical way, with an emphasis on not wasting what’s good inside. In countries like Canada and the Netherlands, there’s been a traditional focus on the appearance of food, though this mindset is slowly changing with movements toward sustainability and food rescue.
Education: Helping consumers understand that a blemish doesn’t mean a lack of quality is crucial. People are often hesitant to buy imperfect produce because they associate it with being "lesser" in value. Campaigns that educate the public on how cosmetic imperfections don’t affect taste or nutritional value can shift purchasing behaviors and reduce waste.
Sustainability & Renewable Energy: Marketing that ties sustainability and renewable energy to food consumption is also powerful. Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impacts of food waste—the energy used to grow, transport, and store food that never gets eaten.
By emphasizing the ecological benefits of buying blemished or imperfect produce, such as reducing food waste and lowering one’s carbon footprint, these movements can become part of a broader effort to fight climate change.
The Benefits of Imperfection
So why do these blemished lemons, and other imperfect fruits and veggies, matter?
Besides the obvious reduction in food waste, they offer another big advantage: price. I paid only 1.47 euro for 6 lemons!
In Spain, you can often buy blemished produce at a lower cost, making it easier for people to eat fresh, nutritious food without breaking the bank.
This type of practical, no-nonsense approach to food might just be one of the most refreshing cultural differences I’ve noticed.
At the end of the day, a lemon’s juice is what you’re after, not its looks. And perhaps there’s something we can all learn from that—whether in Spain, Canada, or the Netherlands.
Comentários