The Hidden Treasures of Your Fruits and Vegetables!

When we think of food waste, we often picture wilted lettuce at the bottom of the crisper drawer or table scraps too small to save. But we rarely consider the parts of fruits and vegetables we don’t eat as food waste. Yet, many parts of fruits and vegetables that we routinely toss into the compost could actually be eaten!

Peels

We’re used to peeling certain vegetables like carrots, but is there really a good reason for it? Root vegetable skins are often removed because they may still have some dirt and are considered “dirty.” But after a good scrub with a brush, they’re delicious—and packed with health benefits!

Similarly, the skins of eggplants and even squash add fiber and texture to dishes once cooked!

Broccoli Stems and More

Not only are broccoli stems edible, but they’re also delicious! Once you peel off the tough outer layer, the center is tender and can be eaten raw, grated into a stir-fry, or added to a gratin.

Lettuce and celery hearts can be diced and added to salads or soups!

Greens (Carrot, Beet, or Radish Tops)

When buying vegetables with their greens still attached, it’s best to remove the tops before storing them in the fridge—they’ll keep longer without the leaves. Most vegetable greens (except for rhubarb, tomato, pepper, and eggplant leaves, which are toxic) can be used to make pestos, soups, or even added to smoothies! In this recipe, carrot tops can be replaced with any other leafy greens you have on hand.

Stems

It’s not just the leaves of herbs that are edible—the stems are too! While recipes often call for “leaves” of basil or other herbs, don’t hesitate to chop up the stems as well—they add a lot of flavour!

Fruit Peels

Did you know you can bake muffins using banana peels? You can either use the whole banana with the peel or use four peels to replace one banana in a recipe. For this, it’s best to use organic bananas and wash them thoroughly before cooking with the peel. Those who try the muffins won’t even notice the difference!

Citrus peels can be zested to enhance cakes, pancakes, pasta, or vinaigrettes, while apple and pear peels can be turned into delicious chips! Finally, kiwi skin—though fuzzy—is completely edible and packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C!

A Food Fight article presented by Jour de la Terre