ua en ru

Save money and reduce waste: 6 smart ways to use food scraps

Thu, March 26, 2026 - 13:30
2 min
Even citrus peel can be easily reused at home
Save money and reduce waste: 6 smart ways to use food scraps Simple ways to reuse food waste (photo: Freepik)

Leftovers that usually end up in the trash can get a second life in the kitchen. What looks like waste after lunch or dinner can often become the base for new dishes, according to Good Housekeeping.

Use citrus in drinks

Citrus peels can be used to make syrup, which can then be added to cocktails. They can also be used in tea or infused in water to enhance flavor.

Lemon peel contains more essential oils than the pulp, giving it a rich aroma. It also contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, adding flavor without sugar.

Peels can also be frozen and later used as cocktail garnishes.

Don’t throw away herb stems

Most people use only basil leaves, but stems can also be saved. Add stems (parsley, celery, dill) to soups or broths — they provide deeper flavor and can be removed later.

They can also be dried and ground into homemade seasoning. Another option is to freeze chopped stems with oil in ice cube trays for easy use in cooking.

Young stems can be finely chopped and added to salads or mixed with grains such as rice or bulgur.

Pesto

Homemade pesto tastes better than store-bought versions, especially jarred ones. Food scraps can be used in pesto recipes, which can then be spread on toast or added to pasta.

Blend parsley, dill, or cilantro stems with nuts, garlic, cheese, and oil to create a rich sauce. It can be used on sandwiches or served with roasted meat.

Make a salad

Follow a balance: something crunchy (cucumber, cabbage), something filling (rice, potatoes, meat), and something juicy (tomatoes, etc.).

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.

Or read us wherever it's convenient for you!