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5 Creative Ways to Use Food Scraps

In our article '7 Ways to Reduce Your Food Waste’, we discussed the individual and environmental effects of food waste and shared 7 different ways to reduce this waste.

In addition to these ways, making use of leftover food you already have in your home rather than discarding it is another simple method that may help you save money, lessen your influence on the environment, and reduce waste.

This article will present 5 ways to recycle food scraps in your home instead of throwing them away.

1.Create Croutons with Stale Bread

It is not necessary to throw away a loaf of bread just because it has become stale. Instead, put it to use in the kitchen by making a tasty batch of handmade croutons.

To begin, cut the bread into blocks and toss them with olive oil along with the spices of your choosing, such as black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or rosemary.
After that, lay the cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them for ten to fifteen minutes at a temperature of 200°C, or until they are crisp and golden.
Croutons cooked from scratch give soups, salads, and casseroles an additional layer of taste and crunch.

2.Sauté the Green Stalks

It may be challenging to consume the fibrous stems of leafy greens like collards and kale because of their texture.

On the other hand, instead of throwing them away, you may save the stems, cut them up into little pieces, then sauté them in a pan with a little amount of olive oil and the spices that you like most.

The stems of leafy greens may be used to produce a delectable side dish that is loaded with nutrients. This can help reduce the amount of food that is wasted.

3.Keep the Leaves of Carrots, Beets, and Radishes

The majority of individuals will throw away the leafy greens that emerge from root vegetables such as carrots, beets, and radishes.

Not only can you eat and benefit nutritionally from these greens, but they also have a wide range of uses. They are interchangeable with a variety of other types of greens in a variety of different recipes.

You may make a quick and simple side dish by sautéing the leaves, or you can add them to salad, hummus, soup, or pesto.

4.Make Fruit Peel Jam

You don't have to throw away the peels of fruits like oranges or apples when you can simply conserve them and turn them into a delicious jam made of fruit peels.

After simmering the peels in water for 20-25 minutes, drain the liquid and bring it to a boil over high heat with sweetener and lemon juice (even chia seeds) before putting it into sterile jars or cans. The process is as simple as that.

Fruit peel jam is a delicious topping that may be used over yogurt bowls, chia puddings, and other nutritious treats.

5.Freeze Remaining Tomato Paste

Because recipes only ask for very little amounts of tomato paste, there is often quite a bit remaining in the can once it has been opened. You may prolong the shelf life of any remaining tomato paste by freezing it, which is a better option than throwing it away.

To get started, place dollops of tomato paste on a baking sheet that has been coated with parchment paper. Freeze the tomato paste until it becomes firm. After a few hours, place the scoops in a frost-proof bag and place the bag in the freezer. You may leave them in the freezer for up to three months until you are able to use them.