Most of us toss kitchen scraps without a second thought, but what if those bits and pieces could actually come in handy? You’d be surprised at what you can do with what’s left behind after cooking. Not only can it save you some cash, but it’s also a great way to cut down on waste.
Vegetable Peels into Stock
Save peels from carrots, onions, and other vegetables to simmer into a flavorful homemade stock.
Citrus Peel for Cleaning
Use lemon, lime, or orange peels to make a natural cleaning agent that freshens and sanitizes surfaces.
Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer
Scatter used coffee grounds around plants as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer that also repels pests like ants and slugs.
Stale Bread for Breadcrumbs
Process dry or stale bread into breadcrumbs for coating, topping casseroles, or adding to stuffing recipes.
Banana Peels for Polishing
Rub the inside of banana peels on leather shoes or houseplants to shine them up beautifully.
Apple Scraps to Make Vinegar
Ferment leftover apple peels and cores with sugar water to create homemade apple cider vinegar.
Potato Water for Soup Base
Use the water from boiled potatoes as a nutrient-rich base for soups or to thicken sauces.
Eggshells as Abrasive Cleaner
Crush eggshells and mix with a little soapy water to form a non-toxic abrasive for tough-to-clean pots and pans.
Herb Stems in Infusions
Simmer stems from herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil in soups and sauces to infuse flavors before discarding.
Carrot Tops for Pesto
Blend carrot tops with garlic, nuts, and olive oil to make a vibrant and earthy pesto sauce.
Broccoli Stems into Slaw
Shred the tough stems of broccoli into a crunchy and healthy addition to coleslaw or salads.
Fish Bones for Stock
Boil fish bones and scraps to brew a homemade fish stock, perfect as a base for seafood soups and stews.
Tea Bags as Odor Neutralizers
Place used tea bags in refrigerators, gym bags, or shoes to absorb odors and moisture.
Cheese Rinds in Cooking
Add hard cheese rinds like Parmesan to soups, stews, and sauces for added depth of umami flavor, then remove before serving.
13 Foods That Magically Regrow Themselves (No Green Thumb Needed)
Turning kitchen scraps into a source of fresh produce isn’t just an eco-friendly practice; it’s a fascinating experiment in the potential of everyday leftovers. From the ends of lettuce to the tops of carrots, many of the foods we consume can surprisingly regenerate with a bit of care and patience. Check out the foods that can magically regrow from scraps and get started in your kitchen!
Read it Here: 13 Foods That Magically Regrow Themselves (No Green Thumb Needed)
11 Amazing Ways To Use Orange Peels You Haven’t Thought Of
So, you’ve just enjoyed a juicy orange and are about to toss the peel? Hold up—there’s a whole world of possibilities for those peels that often go overlooked. From creating your own natural cleaning solutions to whipping up some surprisingly sweet snacks, let’s explore some awesomely creative ways to give those orange peels a second life.
Read it Here: 11 Amazing Ways To Use Orange Peels You Haven’t Thought Of
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
