Get creative with food ‘scraps’

We'd all like to save on our weekly shop and one way is to use parts of fresh food that we might usually throw away. By finding fun and creative ways to cook with them, we can save money and cut down on food waste.

April 23, 2025

Broccoli stalks

Peel the tough outer layer and slice the stalk into thin rounds or matchsticks. They’re great in stir-fries, soups, or grated into slaw. 

Cauliflower leaves and core

Roast the leaves just like you would kale chips. Chop or shred the  core and use it in soups, curry, or blitzed into cauliflower rice.

Carrot peel

Use in stock, or roast with oil and spices to make carrot peel crisps. They can also be blended into soups or smoothies.

Potato peel

Toss in olive oil, salt and pepper, then bake or air fry into crunchy snacks. 

Celery leaves and tops

These have a strong celery flavour and work well in soups, stews, or as a fresh herb substitute in salads or sandwiches.

Leek tops

Slice thinly and sauté or add to stock for extra flavour. They also make a great base for vegetable soup.

Spring onion roots

You can regrow these by placing the roots in a glass of water on your windowsill. Or you can finely chop and add to soups or stir-fries for extra flavour. Start an indoor edible garden 

Spinach or kale stems

Chop finely and sauté with garlic and oil or cook down into soups. You can also freeze them and add to smoothies.

Cabbage cores

Thinly slice and use in stir-fries or shred into a slaw. They soften up beautifully when cooked.

Cucumber peel

Use in tzatziki, green smoothies, or infused water. You can also add them to cold soups like gazpacho.

Zucchini peel

Just leave the skin on, or finely chop the peels into savoury muffins, omelettes, or stir them into pasta sauces. 

Pumpkin and squash skins

If the skin is thin, you can roast it with the flesh and eat the whole thing. Even thicker skins soften when roasted.

Pumpkin seeds

Rinse and roast with olive oil and spices for a crunchy snack. No need to buy packaged ones!

Apple peel

If you need to peel your apples for a recipe, bake the peels with cinnamon and a little sugar for a healthy sweet treat. 

Pear peel

Use the same way as apple peel – or chop finely and add to porridge for a bit of crunch.

Citrus peel

Grate or finely chop into zest for baking and cooking. Simmer in water and vinegar for a natural cleaner. 

Watermelon rind

Remove the green skin and finely chop the white part. It can be used in stir fries or salads to add extra crunch – a bit like cucumber.  

Soft herb stems, like parsley, coriander, basil, and dill

Chop and use in sauces, salad dressings, or stocks. You can also blitz them into pesto.

Reduce your veggie waste and save

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