Cooking Sustainably: Seasonal Bulgarian Recipes and Reducing Food Waste

Hello, readers of BurgasMedia! Today, October 15, 2025, we will explore an important topic that is increasingly present in the Bulgarian media landscape - sustainable cooking. We will focus on seasonal Bulgarian recipes and how we can reduce food waste in the kitchen.

Why Sustainable Cooking?

Nowadays, more and more Bulgarians are looking for ways to live more sustainably. This includes not only an environmentally friendly life, but also a responsible attitude towards food. Searches on the internet clearly show an increased interest in seasonal eating and reducing food waste. Large Bulgarian media outlets and lifestyle websites often publish articles and recipes that promote these principles.

Benefits of Seasonal Products

Cooking with seasonal products has many advantages:

• Better taste: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are ripe in the sun and have maximum flavor.
• Lower price: When the products are in season, they are cheaper because there is a larger supply.
• Support for local producers: By buying seasonal products, you support Bulgarian agriculture.
• Reducing the carbon footprint: Seasonal products travel less distance to the market, which reduces emissions from transport.

Seasonal Bulgarian Recipes

Bulgarian cuisine is rich in seasonal dishes. Here are a few examples:

• Autumn: Pumpkin pie, roasted chestnuts, pumpkin vegetable soup, roasted pepper salad.
• Winter: Sarmas with sauerkraut, bean soup, Shopska salad with sauerkraut.
• Spring: Spinach soup, green salad with sorrel and nettle, roasted lamb.
• Summer: Tomatoes with cucumbers, tarator, stuffed peppers.

How to Reduce Food Waste?

Reducing food waste is a key aspect of sustainable cooking. Here are a few tips:

• Plan your menu: Before you go to the store, make a list of the products you need. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and use all the products.
• Store food properly: Learn how to store food to extend its shelf life. For example, vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator, and some fruits should be kept at room temperature.
• Use leftovers: Do not throw away leftovers. They can be used to prepare new dishes. For example, leftover meat can be added to soups or salads.
• Compost: If you have a garden, you can compost food waste. Compost is an excellent fertilizer for plants.
• Evaluate quantities: Cook only as much food as you can eat. If you have guests, prepare a little more, but always strive for minimal waste.

Initiatives for Sustainable Cooking

Various initiatives are being developed in Bulgaria that promote ecological cooking and sustainable food systems. These initiatives often include: workshops, culinary events and awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

Cooking with sustainable products and reducing food waste are important steps towards a more sustainable way of life. By focusing on seasonal Bulgarian recipes and proper food storage, we can enjoy delicious and healthy food while reducing the negative impact on the environment. Let's use the rich Bulgarian cuisine to cook deliciously and responsibly!