5 genius ways to make the most of food scraps

Every day people get rid of an enormous amount of food scraps, not even thinking twice about it. But what if you knew that food scraps have more potential than just being inedible leftovers? Here are five ways on how to reuse them and make some delicious meals out of them. Once you try these recipes out, you’ll think twice before discarding food scraps again. 

Broccoli fries 

When cooking broccoli, most people tend to discard the stems of the vegetable, not knowing what they could be possibly used for. I am here to tell you to stop throwing them away! Why? Because they are completely edible and highly nutritious. I would suggest making crispy healthy broccoli French fries. Chop up the stems vertically into strips, dip them in egg and breadcrumbs or flour and then fry or bake them. Serve the broccoli fries with a dipping sauce and make sure to share the recipe with friends and family. 

Vegetable chips 

Have you ever come across old-looking carrots and potatoes or half-used beetroots and zucchinis in your pantry? Don’t get rid of them immediately especially if they are still good enough to be consumed. Why throw them out when you could make some crunchy vegetable chips? Thoroughly wash your veggies (leave the skin on) and cut them in circles as thinly as possible. Season them with salt and lay them on paper towels in order to get rid of any excess water. Then lay them in a baking tray, brush them with some olive oil and bake for at least 10-15 minutes on each side until they become slightly brown. 

Smoothies 

Before saying no, take a good look at your food scraps and see which of them you could incorporate in making scrumptious smoothies. Sad-looking spinach, and leftover kale or lettuce are perfect for getting your greens in without even noticing their taste. Make the flavor sweeter by adding some fruit you have laying around the kitchen and finally, for a creamier consistency, pour in some milk or water and a tablespoon of nut butter of your choice. 

Apple vinegar 

Using food scraps will not only make you become more environmentally aware but it will also save you money on condiments you can easily make at home. Apple vinegar is such an example. Save all the apple cores and peels and put them in a jar. Cover them with water and stir some sugar inside. Store the jar somewhere dark for 2 weeks. After the 14 days have passed, strain the liquid and leave it again in the same dark place for another 2 weeks. It may take a little while, but at the end of the day, you’ll have a nice homemade apple vinegar. 

Candy peels 

Were you aware that food scraps can be turned into candy? Isn’t that mind-blowing? All you need are some orange and clementine peels, sugar, and water. Chop up the fruit peels into long strips and boil them for about an hour over low heat until they become tender.

Now it’s time to make your syrup for which you only need your granulated sugar and some water. Use equal parts of both ingredients and bring them to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved add the peels and continue cooking with occasional stirs for another hour or until the syrup has been completely absorbed by the peels. Take the peels out, sprinkle some more sugar on them, let them dry for some time and they are ready to be served.