Nodo helping Farmers Pick Rescue Bananas with Banoffee Pie Doughnut!

By Director – Josh Ball · Last updated Wednesday, 27 September 2023 · 5 min read

Nodo Donuts & Farmers Pick are teaming up to rescue single Bananas from Supermarket Rejection with a delicious Banoffee Doughnut during the month of October.

Every year, a mammoth 37 million kilograms of bananas are considered sub-standard by supermarkets and go to waste on Queensland farms – meaning they never actually leave the farm. This waste equates to a whopping 92.5 million kilograms of C02 emissions, while also putting unnecessary strain on the environment, farmers and fellow Australians. 

Since 2020 Farmers Pick has been working hard with local farmers to rescue their “imperfect” produce and to educate our nation that if a piece of fruit isn’t a “normal” size or shape it is perfectly great to eat and even more fun to use in the kitchen.

When Farmers Pick learned that the supermarkets reject single bananas, they had to do everything they could to raise awareness across the nation.

After hearing this terrifying, mind-blowing stat, Nodo Donuts and Farmers Pick have joined forces to host their own “QLD Banana Rescue” by launching October’s flavour of the month, “Banoffee Donut.”

Founder of Nodo, Kate Williams, passionate about sustainability and reducing food waste, is steering the collaboration with Farmers Pick in order to help save single bananas from going to waste on the farm.

“I love everything Farmers Pick stands for and I couldn’t believe it when I first heard about this – its a huge amount of waste and not to mention the impact it has on the environment and of course the farmers,” Williams said.

“I want to raise as much awareness as possible about these current business practices that are harming the environment and essentially costing farmers and Aussie consumers money.”

“I am always looking at ways to reduce waste within our business and raise awareness around sustainability. It’s something I am very passionate about and you can see throughout all of our stores – the next time you pick up a donut in a box, be sure to throw it in the compost rather than the bin! Some of our packaging is 100% compostable!”

“This collaboration was an absolute no-brainer for me and I am excited for you all to try October’s flavour of the month. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these bananas, the fruit itself is in perfect condition, they’ve just gone walk-about from the rest of the bunch.”

“This year, a banana farmer in QLD has asked us for help as he too is facing excessive rejections by supermarkets. The supermarket’s biggest reason for rejecting bananas is because they’re not in a bunch. When a bunch is picked, it naturally has a few bananas that sit off to the side, and these are trimmed in the harvesting process, to get the perfect bunch as defined by supermarkets.” states Josh from Farmers Pick.

Whether they are simply not attached to a bunch, too straight, too bendy, our farmer will continue to have huge numbers of his crop rejected, ending in an ongoing financial and environmental strain, both of which are completely avoidable.”

Major supermarkets only purchase 70 per cent of Australian bananas and the remaining 30% are rejected because they are trimmed to meet their perfect standards, or considered “the wrong size”, an “imperfect” shape, or not the “right” shade of yellow.

Launching on October 1, Nodo x Farmers Pick “Banoffee Donut” will help combat the cost and impact of this waste. Here are the stats:

• Every donut that uses a Farmers Pick banana, will save 295gm of emissions 
• Directly supports local farmers
• Raises awareness about “rejected single bananas”

The Banoffee Donut will be available in all Nodo stores from 1st October and available to pre-order online at nododonuts.com

From Farm to Table: Why Eating Seasonal Produce Matters

By Director – Josh Ball · Last updated Friday, 18 May 2023 · 4 min read

Eating seasonal produce is a great way to enjoy fresh, nutritious food while supporting local farmers. As the seasons change, so do the crops that are available to us. Eating produce that is in season has many benefits for our health and well-being.

Nutritional Benefits of Eating Seasonal Produce

Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak, which means it tends to be more nutrient-dense than produce that is harvested out of season. When produce is grown out of season, it is often grown in artificial or hydroponic conditions. This can affect nutrient content. Seasonal produce, on the other hand, is grown more naturally and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Eating seasonal produce can also help to support the body’s natural cleansing processes. In the winter, our bodies require more warming foods like root vegetables, which can help to support the immune system and keep us healthy. In the summer, we require more cooling foods like fruits and leafy greens to help us stay hydrated and cool.

Negative impacts of eating out of season produce

Eating seasonal produce not only benefits your health but also has a positive impact on the environment. By eating produce that is grown locally and in-season, you support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of imported produce. But what are the negative impacts of eating produce that is out of season, and why should you try to avoid it?

Firstly, produce that is out of season is often imported from other countries where it is in season. This means it has to travel long distances to reach your plate, resulting in increased food miles and carbon emissions from transportation. The big supermarkets often import garlic from Mexico, oranges from the US and asparagus from Peru. The longer the distance that the produce has to travel, the higher the environmental impact, and the greater the likelihood that the produce will spoil or be damaged during transit.

Secondly, produce that is grown out of season often requires additional resources to grow, such as artificial lighting and heating. This results in a higher energy cost and carbon footprint associated with its production. For example, growing tomatoes out of season in a greenhouse requires the use of artificial light and heating, resulting in a higher environmental impact.

Seasonal Produce at Farmers Pick

We believe moving with the seasons is critical to creating a more sustainable food system, and delivering the freshest, most tasty produce available.

Coming into winter, it is an exciting time as the seasons are moving and what is available is changing weekly.

Some things you might see in your box in the coming month:

By eating seasonal produce, you can enjoy a variety of fresh, nutritious foods that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Seasonal eating can also help to support the body’s natural cleansing processes and keep us healthy throughout the year.

At Farmers Pick, we are committed to bringing you the best seasonal produce that is grown locally and sustainably.

Embracing Oat Milk: The Sustainable and Nutritious Choice

By Director – Josh Ball · Last updated Friday, 12 May 2023 · 4 min read

In recent years, the popularity of plant-based milk alternatives has soared, with one option emerging as a true champion of sustainability and nutrition: Oat milk.

Australians renowned for our love of coffee and environmentally conscious lifestyle, have quickly embraced oat milk as a sustainable and healthful choice.

Let’s delve into why oat milk stands out as the most sustainable option and explore its numerous benefits for both individuals and the planet.

Environmental Sustainability

Oat milk takes the lead when it comes to sustainability for the following reasons:

Lower Carbon Footprint

Oats require significantly less water compared to other milk alternatives like almond or soy, and uses 60% less energy than cows milk. Growing oats demands just one-third of the water needed for almond cultivation, making oat milk a more water-efficient option.

Reduced Land Use

Unlike dairy farming, oat milk production doesn’t involve grazing land or animal rearing. By choosing oat milk, Australians can help preserve natural habitats, protect biodiversity, and reduce deforestation caused by the expansion of farmland.

Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Oats are considered a low-emission crop, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions than dairy farming or other milk alternatives. In comparison to cow’s milk, the production of oat milk leads to 80% less greenhouse gas emissions. By opting for oat milk, we can actively combat climate change.

Health Benefits

Beyond its positive environmental impact, oat milk offers an array of health benefits including:

Nutrient-Rich Profile

Oat milk is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamin D. It is often fortified with additional nutrients, making it a viable alternative for those following a plant-based or lactose-free diet.

Heart-Healthy

Oat milk contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that can help reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Its consumption has been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Digestive Wellness

The fiber content in oat milk aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. It can alleviate symptoms of digestive issues such as constipation and bloating.

Allergen-Free

Oat milk is naturally free from lactose, soy, and nuts, making it an excellent choice for individuals with food allergies or intolerances.

Versatility and Taste

Oat milk’s mild, creamy flavor makes it a versatile option in various forms. It complements coffee, tea, cereals, and smoothies exceptionally well, providing a smooth texture and adding a hint of natural sweetness. The wide availability of oat milk in cafes and supermarkets is a plus!

So, the next time you reach for milk, consider oat milk – the delicious, nutritious, and environmentally friendly choice.

At Farmers Pick, our go-to oat milk is the delicious Minor Figures. We loved it so much, we decided to give you the option to add it to your weekly box!

Why are you so wasteful?!

By  – Amelia Baines · Last updated Thursday, 20 April 2023 · 4 min read

Don’t you hate that feeling of being disappointed in yourself? You could have done better but life got in the way. Instead of staying in and using up what was in the fridge, you said yes to a last minute dinner at the pub. And who can blame you? We all need a social life. However…could you have made better choices with a little forward planning?

Fear not, I’m not the waste police but hopefully I can offer you a couple of tips to help you make the most of the perfectly imperfect produce you receive in your box. I might even try to remember to use them myself… 🫠

The path of least resistance is to utilise recipes which sit squarely in the ‘chuck it in’ category or as OzHarvest more aptly put it, ‘Use It Up.’ We are proud supporters of OzHarvest and they wisely created a sticky tape which is emblazoned with the words ‘Use It Up.’ You can use it to stick on a tupperware container to remind you to use up the contents or you can label a whole shelf in your fridge. I have created several recipes which you can find on our recipe blog which are specifically designed to use up a mish mash of ingredients. 

Another obvious but helpful tip is to cook a large batch of something. If you freeze it into individual portions, you can easily grab one out of the freezer to take to work for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. One of my favourite things to do is chunky chop a selection of veg, drizzle with olive oil and roast it in the oven. Roast veggies are great served alongside some couscous and topped with crumbled feta. 

One last tip before I leave you in peace. When you get your box, take a look at the contents and then search our recipe blog for ideas. You can make a meal plan for the week, which gives you a better chance of using everything up! Happy cooking.