5 Ways To Make Good Use of Veggie Scraps

Many of the best dishes also create a decent amount of food scraps. Fortunately,
vegetable scraps don’t have to go to waste—use them in these smart ways!

If you love cooking, you’ve probably wondered what to do with all those veggie
scraps piling up in your kitchen. Instead of tossing them out, take this opportunity to
get creative! There are five ways to make good use of veggie scraps that can add
flavor to your dishes, reduce waste, and even benefit your garden.

Homemade Vegetable Broth
One of the simplest and most effective uses for veggie scraps is making homemade
vegetable broth. Save onion skins, carrot peels, celery ends, and other scraps in a
freezer bag. When the bag is full, boil the contents with some water, herbs, and
spices. Strain and store the broth in jars or freeze it in ice cube trays for easy
portioning. This homemade broth enhances soups, stews, and sauces with rich,
natural flavors.

Composting for Rich Soil
Composting is an eco-friendly way to turn veggie scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
Collect scraps such as potato peels, carrot tops, and lettuce leaves in a compost bin.
Over time, these materials break down into compost that enriches your garden soil,
promoting healthy plant growth. Avoid adding meat or dairy products to your
compost, as they can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
Flavorful Herb Butter

Infuse butter with veggie scraps to create a flavorful spread perfect for bread,
cooking, or roasting. Finely chop leftover herbs, garlic skins, or shallot ends and mix
them into softened butter. Roll the mixture into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and
refrigerate. This herb butter can elevate the taste of any dish, from simple toast to
elaborate meals.

Creative Cooking Accents
Use veggie scraps to enhance your culinary creations creatively. For instance, don’t
discard any scraps when making a roasted Italian eggplant with pomegranate and
tahini dressing dish. Instead, use eggplant skins and other trimmings to add texture
and depth to your meal, or roast carrot tops and beet greens to use as a garnish.
These thoughtful touches can transform a dish into a gourmet experience.

Garden Fertilizer Tea
Veggie scraps can also contribute to a nourishing tea for your garden. Steep scraps
in water for a few days, then use the strained liquid to water your plants. This
“compost tea” provides essential nutrients, boosting plant growth and health. It’s a
simple and sustainable way to recycle kitchen waste and support your garden.
In conclusion, there are five ways to make good use of veggie scraps that not only
enhance your cooking but also benefit your garden and reduce waste. Remember,
one of the most helpful things you can do for your kitchen drains is to avoid washing
food scraps into the sink. While garbage disposals can process materials that
accidentally make it into the drains, each scrap puts the integrity of your pipes at risk.
So next time you’re cooking, think twice before tossing those veggie scraps—they
have plenty of potential!