Ugly Peach (Final Sale)
How do we define beauty? How do the fruit and vegetable standards define beauty? Two separate things.
The USDA standards for peaches require that a peach be must be “Well formed, meaning that the shape of the peach may be slightly irregular but not to the extent that its appearance is materially affected”, and that a peach must not be “Badly misshapen, meaning that the peach is so decidedly deformed that its appearance is seriously affected”.
Most fruit deemed unfit for sale is discarded simply because it doesn’t fit the shape, size or color of the industry standards. What some may consider ugly or undesirable, does not speak to it’s quality, nutrition or its taste. Where do all these ugly fruits and veggies go? They will not make it to most supermarkets and unfortunately, many will never be eaten. Relaxing these industry standards and helping to minimize food waste can minimize water, energy, and land waste, and could surely help feed the hungry. Besides, do we really want our food to be so homogenous? Perhaps we need to find beauty in the unique.
