I’m fed up with buying fruit, trying to make sure the children get their 5 a day, only to find it doesn’t all get eaten. More often than not it’s the apples and bananas left looking pitiful in the fruit bowl. Well, instead of throwing them away, which I’ve done a lot of, I’ve decided to get creative.

Here are some top tips for making that sad fruit look happy

1. Use them up in a delicious crumble or pie. Berries, stoned fruit, apples, pears and rhubarb all work well in both. If you haven’t got enough of one fruit bulk it up with another. Here’s what you need for a crumble topping.

2. Compotes. These are great for over ripe and those annoying fruit that never seem to ripen. Stoned fruit, berries, apples, and pears are perfect for this. You can add your compote to yoghurt, muesli, porridge or toast for a healthy snack or breakfast. All you need is some fruit, a bit of caster sugar and a little water. Really sweet fruit will not need a lot of sugar. Put it all into a saucepan with a lid on a medium heat for approx 20-30 mins.

3. Juice them or turn them into a smoothie.

4. Over ripe bananas make a great banana loaf or stick them in the freezer. As soon as you notice a banana discolouring, put it straight in the freezer. When you come to take it out the skin will be dark brown but the flesh inside will be creamy. Use them frozen in a smoothie or defrost for cakes or pancakes.

As for any vegetables that are past their best, use them up in soups, curries, casseroles or if you’re feeling really adventurous make a chutney.

Old fruit and veg need never be wasted again!