Don’t Be So Quick to Grab the Compost Bin
Bananas, strawberries, cheese, carrots—what do all these yummy foods have in common? They’re all notorious for food scraps! While we tend to scrape leaves and peels into the bin, what if we told you that you could actually chow down on that stuff? Let’s explore which items you should start eating more often!
1. Banana Peels
We all know the nutritional value of bananas—they’re loaded with fiber and potassium and packed with enough vitamins to keep us healthy. But that goes for the entire banana, including its peel! The peel comes with a healthy dose of potassium and antioxidants too, so try frying it or mixing it into a smoothie to reap the benefits.
2. Watermelon Rinds
When you think of watermelon, you likely think of its pink, delicious flesh, not the discarded rind. However, that rind is loaded with flavor and dietary fiber, which makes it perfect for recipes. After you remove the green skin, you can pickle it or slice it for a tasty stir-fry addition.
3. Broccoli Stalks
It’s hard enough convincing people to chow down on the florets, so we know how crazy it sounds to vouch for broccoli stems on top of that! But you can cut the stems into strips for a fiber-rich option in salads or stir-fries. A pinch of salt and pepper is more than enough to season them too.
4. Carrot Greens
If you’re looking for a versatile food that’s not only tasty but also rich in nutrients, carrot tops have you covered. They’re perfect for soups and have a delightfully earthy flavor, which packs a noticeable punch in your bowl.
5. Lemon Peels
Anyone who’s indulged in citrus zest already knows its power, but we’d like to encourage everyone else to give peels a try too. Thoroughly cleaned peels offer all kinds of vitamin C and antioxidants, though it’s best to indulge occasionally as all that acidity can be a problem down the line.
6. Dandelions
Wait a minute—are we talking about that pesky weed we try to remove every season? Yes! That little guy is perfectly edible, often used in various dishes like salads, soup, and even some tea. You can either cook them or eat them raw, and either option provides vitamins and fiber.
7. Mango Skin
No one can resist a succulent mango, but did you know that its peel is also technically edible? With a thorough wash, you can toss it in smoothies for a nice boost of vitamin C. That said, not as many people indulge in this “scrap” given its texture and the potential for allergic reactions.
8. Pumpkin Seeds
As fun as pumpkin carving is, we could do without the terrible innards all over our hands. Though we often pitch the seeds and stringy bits, you may want to reconsider next time around—pumpkin seeds make a delicious snack packed with protein, minerals, and fiber.
9. Cheese Rinds
So long as your cheese isn’t waxed or covered in any cloth, all rinds are safe to consume. Its rind is a little tougher, which makes it a bit unpleasant like mango, but you can still plop them in a good soup for added flavor (just make sure to take them out afterward).
10. Pasta Water
Pasta water isn’t one-and-done! All that starch does wonders for most sauces and can even be used to thicken them. If you don’t want even a drop to go to waste, you can also freeze it and toss the cubes in any soup you make later.
11. Strawberry Leaves
Whether we drizzle chocolate on them or pop them into smoothies, strawberries are basically nature’s candy—but those leaves never get a piece of the action. Next time you grab a batch at the farmer’s market, keep those greens intact! You can stick the whole thing in smoothies or eat the berry whole for more antioxidants and calcium.
12. Pineapple Cores
On the surface, pineapples seem pretty cut and dry: eat the good stuff and ditch anything hard or spiky. While you don’t want to munch its leaves, you can actually consume pineapple cores for even more nutrients. It may not be as tender as the flesh, but it’s perfectly safe to eat or even toss on the grill.
13. Kiwi Peel
It’s hard to get on board with a fuzzy peel, but we promise kiwis are worth the trouble. The skins are loaded with vitamin C and fiber, so a good wash might be in order over the painstaking task of removing the peel altogether. Don’t worry—a proper scrub keep fuzz away!
14. Celery Leaves
Celery leaves belong in food, not the compost bin. They’re surprisingly flavorful and actually help aid digestion, making them a terrific addition to soups, salads, and sandwiches. You can even chop them to make pesto and dips with.
15. Pea Shoots
We like vitamins. We like healthy digestion. Luckily for us, pea shoots offer both (and a collection of other minerals like magnesium and iron)! They also keep longer than everyday greens, so don’t be afraid to store them in the crisper.
16. Beet Leaves
Are you looking for more fiber and vitamins? You likely have access to both in your very own garden—beet leaves assist with heart health and can even improve immunity. Don’t discard them the next time you make dinner; they’re amazing in soup or as a leafy medley served with fish.
17. Cauliflower Stems
For some reason, people still hate on cauliflower and we’re here to end the slander! A little seasoning turns the whole thing around, and that goes for its stem as well. Slice them and serve with other veggies, shred them into salads, or toss the whole thing into stocks.
18. Green Onion Tops
Green onions can make or break a good spread, but it’s time to start using every part of it—including the tops! They’re just as nutritious as the rest of the onion and work well in the same number of recipes. Just make sure everything is properly washed first.
Christopher Previte on Unsplash
19. Avocado Pits
Hang on a minute. We’re not saying to pop the pit in your mouth, but you can absolutely grind it and toss it in your smoothie for even more potassium and fiber. Avocado seed flour is also reported to keep cholesterol levels low.
20. Poultry Bones
No, you can’t chow down on whole chicken bones—but you can save them for savory stocks! Poultry bones bring all kinds of flavor and can be stored until it’s time to whip up homemade soup. That pot is also a good place for other “scraps” we now know and love.
KEEP ON READING
