Top 10 foods we bin...

We have recipes and tips to stop you throwing away the unused – but still perfecly edible – food in your fridge.

Here at delicious. we were concerned to discover that a third of food bought by UK consumers ends up in the bin. There's usually nothing wrong with this produce – it's leftovers from a dish we prepared, or it's just 'on the turn'.

In response to this, delicious. conducted a survey to see what our readers throw away – almost 1,000 people replied. Over 40% frequently throw out bread, more than a quarter chuck out bananas, and one in five regularly give unused cucumbers the boot.

Top tips for preventing food waste:

Store food wisely – most foods can be frozen, including cheese, and ruit and veg can be kept in the fridge
Containers, containers, containers! If they're airtight, and watertight, they'll keep food fresher for longer
Use measurers to avoid to cooking too much – especially rice and pasta
Plan ahead – use up perishables first, such as fresh vegetables
Have staples in your storecupboard, such as Worcestershire sauce and tinned tomatoes, so you've got essential ingredients to hand.

Here are the Top 10 foods we discard... and some great recipes to remedy this:

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1. Bread

Got too much? Freeze it. Or use in puds or sauces.

Queen of puddings

What more can be said about this light baked pud with its spongy base, jam filling and crisp meringue topping? Simply dig in and enjoy!

Bread and butter pudding

A very English dessert, bread and butter pudding is cheap, simple to prepare, and comforting in the extreme.

Bread sauce

Bread sauce is a delicious addition to a poultry roast or Christmas lunch and can be frozen in advance. Try making with half brown breadcrumbs for a nutty taste.

2. Salad leaves

Got too much? Whizz into soups to add flavour and colour. Or use to make compost.

Pea, lettuce and tarragon soup

A refreshing soup recipe using plenty of greens to create a vibrant colour and memorable flavour.

3. Bananas

Too many? Freeze them or use in puds and smoothies. delicious. recipe ideas: banana bread or cake; banana muffins; smoothies.

Gaynor's healthy moreish banana cake

Papaya and banana smoothie

Enjoy a scrumptious, vitamin-packed smoothie.

4. Cucumber

Too much? Use in soups. Or make compost.

Green gazpacho

Gazpacho is a Spanish recipe for chilled soup, using all kinds of fresh, healthy vegetables. This version uses asparagus and cucumber for a delicate green colour.

5. Potatoes

Too many? Potatoes are versatile and can be used to make many dishes. Or use to make compost.

Potato rösti with smoked salmon and crème fraîche

This dish uses smoked salmon in a tasty and authentic way. In Switzerland the term rösti means crisp and golden, and is considered the national dish of German Switzerland.

Potato and Stilton soup

This is a lovely, warming winter broth.

Dauphinoise potatoes

This dish was created in the Dauphiné region of France and consists of thinly-sliced potatoes, mixed with milk, cream or creme fraiche, and cheese, garlic and seasoning.

6. Cooked sliced meat (such as salami, chorizo)

Too much? Always store in airtight containers; if they dry up, add to hot dishes, which will soften them. delicious. recipe ideas: sliced meats make great toppings for pizza or baked potatoes; mix in a risotto, pasta sauce, or cauliflower cheese.

French bread pizzas

Create this delicious pizza recipe at home with none of the fuss of making dough.

Spuds with spicy beans and salami

Kids will have a lot of fun making (and eating) this easy dish.

Chestnut mushroom and salami risotto

A good risotto is just what you want on a cold night. This easy recipe combines earthy mushrooms and flavoursome salami to make a satisfying supper.

7. Yogurt

Too much? Freeze it. delicious. recipe ideas: add to cake or muffin mixtures for a tangy flavour; include in smoothies or curries.

Banana yogurt cake

Banana yogurt cake is simple enough for children to make and a great way to use up ripe bananas.

Red berry yogurt smoothie

Make up this quick smoothie and pack for a picnic.

Spiced tomato and yogurt chicken

This is an easy and mild curried chicken recipe, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

8. Cooked vegetables

Too many? Practise portion control, but any leftovers can be used in a stir-fry, frittata or gratin. Alternatively, add to the compst heap.

Brunch-style frittata

A quick, easy, comforting frittata recipe that will please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Courgette and ham gratin

This is a tempting gratin recipe that is great for using up leftover ham or vegetables.

9. Carrots

Too many? Try storing half in the fridge; they'll last for longer. Grate fresh carrots into sauces or mashed potato; roast older carrots or make cake from them. delicious. recipe ideas: carrot juice is a nutritious breakfast drink or liquid snack; make carrot cake or muffins; grate into coleslaw; mash up carrot and potato for a popular side dish.

Carrot and mango crush

The sweetness of mango and the slightly earthy flavour of carrots blend well in this healthy recipe, which is great as a speedy brekky or refreshing drink at any time.

Carrot cake

Carrot cake is a moist, moreish and incredibly popular recipe. Who would have thought that one of your favourite desserts would be made from common garden vegetables!

Carrot and coriander muffins

Carrot and coriander muffins are American-style buns. They're quicker to make than scones, and perfect to eat with cheese or ham.

10. Apples

Too many? Store in a cool, dark place, away from bananas which spoil other fruit, or store in the fridge. Remove any bad apples, or make apple sauce and freeze it. delicious. recipe ideas: soup (yes, soup!); pork Normandy; apple crumble and tarts; apple sauce.