Zero-waste cooking: Five ways to make the most of your vegetables and fruits, including the peels and seeds

‘Zero-waste cooking’ might be a novel concept for the western world but it is an age-old practice in our country.
Zero-waste cooking (Representative picture - courtesy: Instagram/wastefreeplanet)
Zero-waste cooking (Representative picture - courtesy: Instagram/wastefreeplanet)

‘Zero-waste cooking’ might be a novel concept for the western world but it is an age-old practice in our country. Whether it is using Neem flowers to make rasam or making a curry out of the banana peel, we have always utilised each part of the produce to our full advantage. The result is not just a delicious dish, but one that is rich in nutrition as well.

As times went by, fruits and vegetables laden with chemicals, wax and pesticides began to enter the markets. Although this was done to keep the freshness of the produce intact, it became detrimental to people’s health and well-being and to ensure that families are eating safe, parents all over the country began to peel vegetables and fruits. But now that natural vegetable and fruit washes like Nimwash are making an entry in the market, it is time we go back to our kitchen counters and save those peels and rinds.

Wondering how to use them? Below are some interesting dishes which can be made by upcycling your veggies, fruits and what was otherwise considered, ‘waste’:

1. Make yummy and healthy vegetable chips by mixing vegetable peels like potato, beetroot and carrot with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic powder. 
 

Place the peels on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 400 F. (204 C.) until the peels are crispy and brown. Check the peels at six minutes to see if they are done; if not, cook an additional 2-4 minutes. Potato, beetroot and carrot skins are a powerhouse of vitamin C and act as a potent antioxidant agent, they also contain B-complex vitamin and calcium which plays an integral part of a healthy defence system and enhances the immune activity

2. Apple and orange peels could be used in making marmalades, jams or jelly or the peels can be added to your tea. Just boil the peels with your green tea to enhance the flavour. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Pikachu Raw Herbs (@pikachu_raw_herbs) on

Apple peels are loaded with Vitamin A & C which helps our body in healing wounds faster. Compounds in apple peel have the ability to kill cancer cells and protect the body from liver, colon and breast cancer. While oranges are known to be rich in antioxidants and provide protection against cell damage, their peels are equally important. Although they may not look appetizing, it is extremely beneficial in boosting metabolism, lowering blood pressure and improving the overall appearance of the skin.

3. Cook drumstick leaves or moringa leaves in water with tomatoes, onions, turmeric powder, pepper powder alongside salt and pepper. Post which, strain the water and your soup is ready! Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, the leaves are known to fight inflammation and have antioxidant properties amongst other benefits

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jishma Shahul (@followmycravings) on


4. While utilizing ridge gourd to make curries, save the peel to make delicious chutneys that can be eaten with almost anything.  The skin of this gourd is fibrous and aids digestion. 

5. Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds after you have used the pumpkin in soups or sambhar.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Raheli Krut | Krutit (@raheli) on

Clean the seeds and then let them dry out in the sun. Dry roast them in a pan for about 3-5 minutes and store them. Sprinkle them on salads and smoothies for that extra crunch. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of Zinc and help in building immunity.

Related Stories

No stories found.
Indulgexpress
www.indulgexpress.com