One way to save money on that grocery bill is to stop throwing away things you can use. Even if you don’t have a compost heap, make sure you save these scraps of food you’ve been throwing away.
1. Cheese rinds and small pieces of leftover cheese
Image: HarlanH/Flickr
Edible cheese rinds and little bits of leftover cheese can be used to make fromage fort. Just cream them together with some wine and your favorite herbs to spread on crackers or crostini. You may need a bit of butter if you’re using mostly hard cheese.
2. Green onions
Image: Kevin Hayes/Flickr
Green onions don’t stop growing just because they’re uprooted. Replant them outside or in a pot right in your kitchen, or just grow them in an inch or so of water.
3. Citrus peels
Image: MarxFoods.com/Flickr
Citrus peels, which have tons of health benefits, can be used in fruit smoothies, fish or chicken and baked goods, or be put into a jar with vodka to make extract. If you have to chuck it, then put it in the garbage disposal, where it will at least keep things fresh.
4. Nutshells
Image: steffenz/Flickr
You can toss nutshells onto your coals (or into a wood chip holder for your propane grill) to add a nutty flavor to your meats.
5. Melon rind
Image: niznoz/Flickr
Melon rind is actually really high in citrulline, which aids in circulation. They’re hard to eat, but you can blend a little in with a melon smoothie to make it easier to ingest.
6. “Unusable” veggie bits
Image: Didriks/Flickr
After cutting up veggies like carrots, celery and onions, pop the unusable ends and even peels into a freezer bag to save for stocks, or stuff them on the inside of your bird to add a bit of flavor to your roasted chicken or turkey.
7. Bacon and sausage fat
Image: I Believe I Can Fry/Flickr
Pour bacon and sausage fat into a heatproof container over a sieve when you’re done cooking, and pop it into the fridge. You can use it later to make gravies or to add an extra layer of flavor to sautéed veggies.
8. Cilantro stems
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Cilantro stems can be blended into soups and salsas, including guacamole.
9. Crumbs from sweets
Image: Werwin15/Flickr
You know those leftover bits of cookie, cake and more you have after someone takes the last piece? Save them up, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag to use later as an ice cream or yogurt topping.
10. Stale bread
Image: ampresco/Flickr
Turn stale bread into croutons or breadcrumbs.
11. Celery leaves
Image: arbyreed/Flickr
Celery leaves are just as nutritious as the stalks, and just as tasty. Use them in salads or even in anything you’d normally use celery.
12. Fruit cores
Image: Stacy Spensley/Flickr
Much like vegetable leftovers, you can toss these inside your whole chicken or turkey, even along with some of the veggies (or some of those orange peels you saved), before roasting.
13. Eggshells
Image: Chris Campbell/Flickr
If you’re careful when cracking them, you can rinse out eggshells and use them to grow seedlings for your herb garden. If not, then rinse them off really well, dry them, crunch them up as small as possible, and put them in your soil. They’ll deter certain pests and make your plants healthier.
14. Chard stems
Image: eflon/Flickr
You can cook chard stems just like you cook asparagus.
15. Broccoli stalks and leaves
Image: Rick Harris/Flickr
Broccoli leaves and stalks are edible, yet many people throw them away. Instead, save them. The leaves are yummy in salads. The stalks can be cooked just like broccoli. They’re especially good in cheese sauces and casseroles.
16. Avocado pits
Image: Mr.TinDC/Flickr
When you cut up an avocado, save the pit. If you have any leftover avocado or guac, then store it with the pit to keep it from browning as quickly. You can even grind it very finely (with a very powerful food processor — those seeds are sturdy) for smoothies. If you’re extremely industrious, you can use it to grow an avocado tree.
17. Beet greens
Image: NatalieMaynor/Flickr
Beet greens actually taste a lot like Swiss chard, and you can use them in just the same way.
18. Squash seeds
Image: Paul-W/Flickr
Much like pumpkin seeds, squash seeds can be seasoned and roasted.
19. Leftover coffee
Image: The Way of Slow Travel/Flickr
If you don’t drink all your coffee, then pour it into ice trays and freeze it. You can use it later for chocolate sauces, cakes, brownies and mole sauce.
20. Brining juice
Image: joshbousel/Flickr
The leftover juice from pickles, jalapeños, pickled veggies and more can be used in vinaigrettes, martinis, bloody marys, sandwich salads (like tuna or chicken) and more. Or just soak some freshly sliced cucumbers or jalapeños in it for a couple of weeks for a fresher, pickle-like snack.
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