Wonky Box

What's in the box: A seasonal mix of 7 to 12 varieties of locally grown fruit and vegetables, often surplus or cosmetically imperfect, depending on the box size you choose.

Wonky Box is a New Zealand delivery service built around rescued produce. That means fruit and vegetables growers struggle to sell because they are too big, too small, oddly shaped or simply in surplus. You choose a box size, remove items you do not want and add extras before it arrives at your door. The company says it delivers across the country, including rural addresses, which helps anyone living outside the main centres. The range now goes well beyond produce. There are veg only boxes and mixed fruit and veg boxes in small, medium and large sizes, priced from $25 for a small box to $47 for a large one, plus a dedicated fruit box. Flower boxes and farmers meat boxes are also available, along with a grocery range called Good Groceries by Wonky that covers pantry items, dairy, snacks and drinks. The appeal is simple: local food, less waste and fewer trips to the supermarket. The trade-off is that contents change with whatever growers have spare, so you need to be happy cooking flexibly, and cosmetic flaws are part of the deal. The site does not make delivery fees or delivery days clear up front, so check those when you sign up.