Food waste has become a growing concern around the world. On average, one-third of all food produced globally goes to waste each year. This not only has a negative impact on the environment but also contributes to the global food shortage issue.

One way to help reduce food waste is by repurposing food byproducts, which are the leftover parts of a food item that are typically discarded. Here are some innovative ways to repurpose food byproducts that can help reduce food waste:

1. Citrus peels

• Citrus peels can be used to infuse water, tea or cocktails with a refreshing flavor twist.
• Citrus peels can be dried and turned into a homemade zest to add flavor to baked goods, marinades, and dressings.
• Citrus peels can also be blended into a powder and used as a natural cleaning agent for the kitchen.

2. Vegetable scraps

• Vegetable scraps such as carrot and celery tops or onion skins can be used to make flavorful stocks and broths.
• Squash and pumpkin seeds can be roasted and eaten as a healthy snack or used as a garnish for soups and salads.
• Stems and stalks of vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can be used to make vegetable purees or added to smoothies for a nutritious boost.

3. Meat bones

• Meat bones can be boiled to make a rich and nutritious bone broth, which can be used as a base for soups, sauces and gravies.
• Bones can also be ground up and used as a natural fertilizer for plants.

4. Bread crusts and scraps

• Bread crusts and scraps can be used to make crispy croutons or flavorful bread crumbs for breading or topping dishes.
• Bread scraps can also be blended into a powder and used as a thickener for soups and sauces.

These are just a few examples of innovative ways to repurpose food byproducts. Not only do these ideas help reduce food waste, but they can also add flavor and nutrition to your meals. By being mindful of the food we waste and finding new ways to use food byproducts, we can all do our part to reduce our environmental footprint.