Sustainability Tips for Chefs Working on a Superyacht

Working as a Chef onboard a superyacht is a crucial role involving meeting the needs and demands of the yacht owners and clients. Nowadays, sustainability is a continuously growing trend within the superyacht industry, and more superyacht owners and charter clients are expressing the need for sustainable experiences onboard superyachts. This also extends to sustainable dining. Below are 10 tips that can help you become more sustainable.

1. Use Preference sheets

Creating a preference sheet for guests and owners of superyachts not only aids in providing a more satisfying and personalised dining experience but also contributes to sustainability. Utilising the preference sheet will narrow down the grocery list and reduce food waste.

2. Meal planning

Being a Chef on a superyacht can sometimes require working in a busy environment. With the owners’ and guests’ preferences, Chefs can make planning easier and faster. Planning will reduce meal preparation time and food waste.

3. Creative repurposing of leftovers

When served, leftovers served onboard in their original form are likely to remain leftovers. Taking leftovers and turning them into a new dish reduces the waste of food and increases sustainability. An example of repurposing leftovers is turning bruised fruit into smoothies.

4. Compost and recycle

Compositing is another great way to become more sustainable. Nowadays, food waste can be stored and turned into grey water, which can be safely disposed of in the sewage system. Recycling by separating waste from preparing meals into separate containers is sustainable and it reduces the smell, and attraction of insects.

5. Use seasonal food

Using seasonal ingredients will contribute to lowering the carbon footprint of the superyacht. Moreover, it will allow for the provision of fresh and more flavourful meals.

6. Use of Eco-friendly cleaning products

Currently, there are a variety of different eco-friendly products on the market, which can increase sustainability onboard. This does not only refer to cleaning products but also products used for stocking food. Products like beeswax reusable food wraps, glass containers, plant-based food containers, and reusable produce bags can be used.

7. Plant-based meals

Implementing more plant-based meals is a great way to start the sustainability journey. Reducing the use of meat and focusing more on including vegetables and sustainably sourced seafood is a way to increase sustainability.

8. Prolong the food life

Sustainability can be achieved by prolonging the food’s longevity. This can be done by storing the food correctly in the freezer or fridge at the right temperature. Moreover, fermenting, pickling, drying, and canning are other methods of ensuring longer food life.

9. Use responsible suppliers

When choosing suppliers, do research into how the products are sourced. Making sure that the products are delivered in recyclable or eco-friendly packaging will contribute to sustainability as well.

10.  Local suppliers

Superyacht Chefs can source food from destinations that superyachts are going to. Sourcing food supplies locally will help the local economy and enable the use of fresh produce and higher nutritional benefits. As multiple destinations can be visited, local sourcing can add to a greater variety of ingredients and meal options. In addition, transportation emissions will be decreased, lowering the carbon footprint.

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