Don't Toss That Overripe Fruit: Make Chia Pudding!
Stone fruit and berry season is one of the best times of year, but it can be easy for fresh fruit to ripen faster than we can eat it. Before you toss those soft peaches or berries, try turning them into a simple and delicious chia pudding.
As stone fruit and berry season arrives, many of us will be bringing home baskets of peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and berries. While fresh seasonal fruit is delicious, it can sometimes ripen faster than expected.
The good news? Overripe fruit doesn't need to end up in the compost bin.
When fruit becomes soft, it's often at its sweetest, making it perfect for smoothies, sauces, baking, and easy breakfast recipes. One of our favorite ways to use overripe fruit is in a simple chia pudding that transforms fruit that is past its prime into a nutritious and satisfying treat.
Overripe Fruit Chia Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup overripe fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, berries, mangoes, or a combination)
- 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the fruit and milk until smooth.
- Stir in chia seeds and vanilla.
- Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Top with granola, nuts, or fresh fruit and enjoy.
Reducing food waste doesn't have to be complicated. Small changes, like finding creative ways to use fruit before it spoils, can help you save money, enjoy seasonal produce longer, and keep perfectly good food out of the landfill.
Every piece of fruit has value—even when it's a little past its prime. By making the most of what you already have, you can enjoy the flavors of the season while helping reduce food waste at home.