In Catalonia, where food is a sacred affair, wasting it might be considered a minor crime. Yet, despite most people’s love of every last morsel of escalivada, food waste still persists like an uninvited guest. Why? Well, sometimes our culinary eyes are far larger than our stomachs.

The statistics paint a sobering picture. According to reports published elsewhere in this issue, Catalonia is said to waste around 35 kilos of food per person per year. That’s a hefty amount, especially for a culture that traditionally prides itself on zero-waste recipes. So what’s going on?

Barcelona boasts some vibrant markets, such as La Boqueria or El Mercat de Sant Antoni. Here, you’re surrounded by cascades of oranges, piles of gleaming olives, and sausages that look like works of art. And like all art, they’re hard to resist. A simple trip for two tomatoes........

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