Every year on April 24, people come together to observe Stop Food Waste Day, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the staggering amount of food wasted each day and promoting solutions to combat it. It’s a time for reflection and action, urging individuals and communities to rethink their food consumption habits and embrace sustainable practices in the kitchen. Let’s explore how we can elevate culinary creativity while reducing waste by giving common food scraps a second life.
Watermelon rinds
Instead of discarding watermelon rinds, pickle them with vinegar, salt, and spices for a refreshing snack or a unique addition to salads.
Fruit peels
Zest lemon peels to infuse marinades, dressings, or baked goods with a burst of citrus flavour. You can also candy lemon peels for a sweet and tangy treat.
Simmer fruit peels with water, sugar, and spices to create a fragrant syrup that can be used in cocktails, desserts, or as a drizzle over yogurt or pancakes.
Vegetable scraps
Collect and freeze vegetable scraps such as carrot tops, celery leaves, herb stems and onion skins to make flavorful stocks and broths. Simply simmer the scraps with water, herbs, and spices for a homemade base for soups, stews, and sauces.
You can also finely chop herb stems and add them to sauces, soups, or stir-fries to infuse them with subtle herbal flavours.
Potato peels
Transform potato peels into crispy snacks by tossing them with olive oil, salt and seasoning, then baking them until golden brown. You can also use potato peels to add texture to mashed potatoes or soups.
Broccoli stems
Shred broccoli stems and add them to slaws, stir-fries, or frittatas for added texture and nutrition.
Cheese rinds
Cheese rinds are full of umami! Freeze them and add them to soups or stews to impart rich, savoury flavors. The rinds will slowly melt into the dish for more depth and complexity.
Coffee grounds
Repurpose used coffee grounds as a natural exfoliant in DIY skincare products or use them to fertilize plants in your garden. Coffee grounds also work wonders as an odour neutralizer in your fridge or garbage disposal.
This Stop Food Waste Day, let’s celebrate culinary creativity by embracing the potential of food scraps. Together, we can make a difference in reducing waste and building a more sustainable food system.
