Food waste is a major problem in many parts of the world. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted each year. While some of this waste occurs in commercial settings, a significant amount also occurs in households. One way to reduce food waste is to give a second life to food scraps. Here are some tips to help you do just that.
Composting is one of the most effective ways to give a second life to food scraps. Instead of throwing your vegetable and fruit peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other food scraps in the trash, start a compost pile or bin. Composting can help turn your food waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow new plants and vegetables.
Freeze your scraps
If you're not ready to start composting, consider freezing your food scraps instead. Vegetable scraps like onion skins, carrot tops, and celery leaves contain lots of fiber and nutrients and can be used to flavor various dishes, while fruit scraps like banana peels can be used as a natural fertilizer. Freeze these scraps until you have enough to make a batch.
Regrow vegetable scraps
Some vegetables like green onions, lettuce, and celery for example, can be regrown from their scraps. Simply place the bottom of the vegetable in a glass of water and wait for it to start growing new shoots. Once the shoots are long enough, you can plant them in soil and grow a new vegetable plant.
Use citrus peels for cleaning
Citrus peels like lemon and orange peels can be used to make a natural cleaning solution. Simply soak the peels in vinegar for a few weeks, strain the mixture, and use it diluted in water as a cleaning solution for some countertops, floors, and toilets.
Make stock
Vegetable scraps of all sorts can be used to make homemade stock - whether that’s veggie stock, or you can add them to chicken and beef stock. Simply save your scraps in a container in the freezer until you have enough to make stock. Add the scraps to a pot with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for an hour or two. Strain the liquid and use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces.
Make croutons or breadcrumbs
Stale bread can be turned into homemade croutons or breadcrumbs by simply cutting the bread into small cubes, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and bake in the oven until crispy. For breadcrumbs, simply throw the toasted bread in a food processor or place in a reusable silicone bag and roll over the bag with a rolling pin.
Giving a second life to food scraps can help reduce food waste and save you money. Whether you start composting, freeze your scraps, regrow vegetables, or make stock, croutons or breadcrumbs, there are many ways to make the most of your food scraps. Not only will you be doing your part for the environment, but you'll also be able to enjoy delicious meals and snacks made from ingredients you might otherwise have thrown away.
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