There is no difference in taste or nutrition, but there are'ugly agricultural products' that are thrown away because they have black spots or bend in shape and are ugly.
The problem is that these discarded agricultural products have a bad impact on the environment.
In 2013 alone, it is said that 1.3 billion tons of ugly agricultural products occurred in the world.
It is one-third of the world's food consumption.
Although accurate investigations have not yet been conducted in Korea, a significant amount of the cultivated crops are being thrown away because they are called'ugly people'.
Why does this happen?
Agricultural products are primarily graded based on their appearance.
So, there are cases where the difference in taste and nutrition is at least not recognized for its product value.
[Byeongho Jeon / Farmer who grows broccoli: Agricultural products are not processed products.
The shape is not constant because of the place that comes out of the ground and hangs the fruit.] The
problem is that the discarded agricultural products have a bad effect on the environment.
As agricultural products rot, methane gas, which is the cause of global warming, is generated.
There are also movements to solve this problem.
It is pursuing the so-called'food refurbishment', such as making food from agricultural products with poor marketability.It started in France in 2014 and is increasing in Korea.
[Choi Hyun-ju/CEO of ugly agricultural product subscription service company: When I started working, I thought I would have to convince (to consumers) a lot.
I haven't been exposed to it so much before, but on the contrary, consumers are more resentful than we are and give them after taking off their feet saying that they will consume it.]
Whether ugly or not, all agricultural products can be delicious food, not garbage. I hope this movement will be more welcome.
▶ The reality of ugly vegetables that are ruthlessly discarded