Food waste is all around us, but often the extent of the problem isn't obvious until nationwide statistics are thrown around.
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Each year 9000 Olympic sized swimming pools of food end up in landfill and one in five shopping bags of groceries becomes trash.
As if that wasn't enough, each household is expected to waste $3800 worth of food every year.
These figures, which come from OzHarvest, paint a concerning picture.
Telarah producer Liz Griffiths is determined to do what she can to manipulate local food so it lasts longer and doesn't go to waste.
The Slow Food Hunter Valley co-leader's latest project has been transforming some of the Tilse family apples, which were sold at the Maitland Earth Market recently.
It was a miracle the Upper Hunter apples, from a century-old orchard, even produced a crop given the ongoing severe drought.
Ms Griffiths turned the fresh produce into dried apple soaked in turmeric, which she grew herself.
"They are great snacks and they have no additives or preservatives," she said.
The avid grower is also delving into homemade teas.
She has transformed her peppermint, turmeric and ginger crops into tea - and even used her lemons and some from Oakhampton farmer Austin Breiner to create a triple lemon and ginger tea.
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"It hasn't got a big lemon bang to it, but it is so cleansing on the palate," Ms Griffiths said.
"I enjoy making the teas, it's another way to enjoy something."
The items complement her dried turmeric, which she also sells at the twice monthly earth market.
The Slow Food Earth Market Maitland will be held in The Levee on Thursday, June 6 and June 20 from 12.30pm.
There are several tips to curb food waste that are outlined in the state government's Love Food Hate Waste program.
These include putting all of the food waste in a single container so the household is aware how much is being wasted.
Planning meals and serving up correct portions, keeping food fresh and eating leftovers.