What Is Rubies in the Rubble?
Rubies in the Rubble is a certified B Corporation on a mission to tackle food waste head-on. This innovative project transforms surplus fruit and vegetables—those often rejected for looking a bit wonky or overly ripe—into delicious condiments like ketchup, mayo, relish, and chutney. By rescuing produce that would otherwise be discarded, Rubies in the Rubble not only creates tasty, plant-based products but also champions an eco-friendly approach to food production. Their commitment to sustainability and reducing waste makes them a standout in the food products industry.
The Main Benefit: Fighting Food Waste with Flavor
Food waste is a massive problem globally, and Rubies in the Rubble is doing something about it. Here are some eye-opening facts that highlight why their work matters:
- 7.2 million tons of food and drink are thrown away each year.
- £60 is the average cost per household due to food waste.
- Stopping food waste could reduce the planet’s carbon footprint by the equivalent of taking 1 in 4 cars off the road.
By turning surplus produce into condiments, they extend the shelf life of fruits and veggies using natural preservatives like vinegars and sugars. It’s a win-win: less waste, more taste.
The Story Behind the Sauce
Jenny, the founder of Rubies in the Rubble, grew up on a farm in Scotland where resourcefulness with food was second nature. Shocked by the sheer volume of perfectly good produce rejected for not meeting strict aesthetic standards, she started rescuing fruit and veg from New Covent Garden market. Experimenting with childhood recipes for jams and chutneys, Jenny’s passion grew into a pioneering food sustainability brand that’s now stocked nationwide. Her story is a reminder that creativity and care can turn a big problem into a delicious solution.
What Counts as Surplus?
Surplus produce isn’t just about ugly fruit or vegetables. It includes a range of items rejected for various reasons—curly cucumbers, overly ripe bananas, or anything that doesn’t fit the supermarket’s picture-perfect mold. Instead of letting these ingredients go to waste, Rubies in the Rubble gives them a second chance, turning them into flavorful condiments that everyone can enjoy. It’s a clever way to reduce waste while celebrating the natural diversity of produce.
Why Condiments?
Condiments are a brilliant choice for reducing food waste because they preserve fresh ingredients by extending their shelf life. Using vinegars, sugars, and citrus fiber—often discarded parts of fruit—Rubies in the Rubble creates products that not only taste great but also have a longer life on the shelf. This approach means less food ends up in bins and more ends up on plates, making condiments a smart, sustainable solution in the fight against food waste.
Rubies in the Rubble’s Impact on Sustainability
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by reducing food waste and promoting sustainable practices.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – cutting down CO2 emissions through food waste reduction.
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – contributing to food security by making use of surplus produce.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting sustainable farming and reducing environmental impact.
Doing Gooder Every Day
Since its inception, Rubies in the Rubble has made a significant positive impact. To date, they’ve rescued nearly a million kilograms of fruits and vegetables, saved over 830,000 kilograms of CO2 equivalent emissions, and prevented the environmental impact of almost 3 million miles driven. Their journey shows that with a bit of creativity and a lot of heart, it’s possible to do gooder—making the planet healthier and tastier, one jar at a time.
