What makes Harvest Heroes?
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about our always delicious, sometimes quirky-looking produce.
We get it—the world of imperfect produce is a surprising and unpredictable one. There’s a lot of misinformation about what happens in the food supply chain, but once you understand the story behind our tasty harvest heroes, you’ll feel great about joining our mission to reduce food waste.
They Had Superficial Blemishes
If you ask us, the striations on these apples make them even more unique and beautiful. But because of these natural beauty marks, their chances of making it to grocery store shelves are slim.
Why? Supermarkets have strict appearance standards for produce, and even the tiniest scar or dimple could mean rejection. But we believe in looking beyond the surface.
Take these scarred avocados, for example. Though they never made it to a grocery store, once you peel them, you’ll find pure deliciousness inside.
They Were Too Small
Diminutive butternut squash or undersized onions are often overlooked by grocery stores. In a world where “bigger is better,” these smaller heroes get passed by.
But smaller portions can be a win for you—they’re great for snacking, easier to use, and often help you avoid waste at home. Plus, because our produce is organic, you often don’t even need to peel it—making every bite count.
They Were Too Big
Have you ever seen a garlic bulb that’s practically larger than life? Or a sweet potato as big as a toddler? Grocery stores might think that’s too much, but we say it’s a jackpot! Big produce can be a great addition to your kitchen, perfect for making large batches of fries or roasted veggies.
They Were Misshapen
Curvy cucumbers and hugging carrots might look strange, but they’re Instagram-worthy in their own right! Grocery stores, though, prefer perfectly uniform produce that fits their linear displays. We don’t discriminate against produce for its shape—every veggie, no matter how unique, has a place at Harvest Heroes.
They Were Off-Color
Produce that’s a little sunburned or exposed to extreme temperatures might end up with a slight color variation. But that doesn’t affect the flavor or texture inside. From purple radishes to green-streaked mandarin oranges, these off-color items are still delicious, even if grocers say no.
They Had Some Bruises
Along the journey from field to plate, produce can pick up a few bumps and bruises. But that doesn’t mean it should go to waste. Most bruised produce is fresh beneath the surface—just a small trim, and it’s good to go!
Sometimes, tiny critters in the field may have nibbled a bit of your produce before giving up. While it’s harmless, organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, so occasional imperfections like these are normal. A quick peel is all it takes to enjoy.
They Were Simply Excess
Ever wonder why some perfectly shaped, fresh produce lands in your box? Sometimes it’s just a matter of surplus. A farmer might experience a bumper crop or an over-order, leading to excess produce. Instead of letting it go to waste, we rescue it and get it to you.
Our Marketplace Heroes
Our Marketplace also features plenty of rescued goods. From pantry staples to organic produce, we’re saving food from being wasted while offering great deals. Here’s what makes some of these items “heroes”:
Outdated or Incorrect Packaging
Brands sometimes update their packaging, leaving behind stock with old designs. We step in, rescuing these items at a discount—same great product, just different packaging.
Packaging Not Suitable for Retail
Some items have minor packaging flaws like dents or short sell-by dates. While they aren’t fit for store shelves, they’re still perfectly good to eat. Other times, bulk suppliers sell to places like universities, and we work with them to make retail-friendly packaging, so you can enjoy their delicious food.