Most of us throw away heaps of kitchen scraps every week without a second thought. However, many of these leftovers, from eggshells to orange peels, have surprising uses that can save you money and reduce your household waste. Whether you’re looking to enhance your garden, whip up some homemade cleaners, or add extra zest to your cooking, there’s a plethora of uses for what you might otherwise toss in the trash. Here are fourteen ingenious ways to repurpose common kitchen scraps into something spectacular.
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.
11 Foods That Magically Regrow From Scraps!
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: 11 Foods That Magically Regrow From Scraps!
15 Timeless Kitchen Hacks From The Past That Still Work Wonders Today
Ever wonder how your grandparents managed to whip up amazing meals without all the fancy gadgets we have today? They had their own set of kitchen hacks, secrets passed down that are just as genius now as they were back then. We’ve dug up 15 of these timeless tricks that still make cooking easier and more fun today. Add a touch of old-school magic to your modern kitchen with these tried-and-true tips.
Read it Here: 15 Timeless Kitchen Hacks From The Past That Still Work Wonders Today
13 Ways To Keep Rabbits From Destroying Your Garden This Season
Ever caught a rabbit munching on your prized veggies? It’s cute until it’s your garden they’re feasting on. We’ve got the lowdown on keeping those furry critters at bay. From time-tested tricks to plant preferences that rabbits just can’t resist, here’s everything you need to safeguard your garden and keep those carrots for yourself.
Read it Here: 13 Ways To Keep Rabbits From Destroying Your Garden This Season
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.
