What to do with fruit and vegetable peels?

If you don’t have compost, fruit and vegetable peels often end up in the trash. However, they are real treasure troves of nutrients and even tastier than the pulp of vegetables.
Also, with rising energy and commodity prices, we need more than ever to save money. However, waste is a definite cost item that will cost us up to 60€ per month. At the end of the year, this is a nice amount that could be put to better use. So, to please our planet and our wallet, we no longer hesitate to recycle the peels of fruits and vegetables.

How to reuse vegetable peels?

Before you start cooking, you should take some precautions

Preferably keep the skins of organic fruits and vegetables. They contain less pesticides than conventional agricultural products.
Also, always clean fruits and vegetables before cooking them. This allows you to clean the remains of soil or dust, as well as certain chemical products left on the surface.
Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water, then brush with a vegetable brush. Wipe them with a clean cloth before going to the kitchen.

In the blinks

Put potato, carrot, parsley or apple peels in a bowl. Add 1 tsp. spoons of olive or sunflower oil, a good pinch of salt and pepper. Season with spices and herbs if needed, then stir.
Spread the peelings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes.
If you have a deep fryer, first dip the cleaned shells in a hot oil bath for 3 minutes. Drain the chips, add salt, pepper and spices at the very end.
The perfect recipe for an economical aperitif or to garnish a dish like this Veal and Carrot Mignon.

in the juice

Can’t start your day without a good homemade fruit or vegetable juice? This tip should interest you.
You will need 30 cl of water for one glass, as well as the peels of 2 fruits and vegetables. For example, 2 carrots and 30 cl of water for 1 person, 4 carrots and 60 cl for 2 people, etc. You can also make several types of juice to suit your taste. Place the water and peels in a saucepan. If desired, add sugar or spices.
Boil the preparation covered for 5 minutes, then leave to infuse on low heat for 15 minutes. If you plan ahead, you can even let it sit overnight.
Strain, then refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Note that the method also works with stumps.

In vegetable broth

Additives, salt, allergens… Industrial vegetable broths contain many undesirable substances. But it is very easy to make them at home without spending a penny.
For a good broth, you need peels, stems, tops… In short, everything that usually ends up in the trash. Weigh everything and multiply the weight by 5 to get the required amount of water (200 g of bark = 1 l of water). Fry everything in a large pot with 2 cloves of garlic and 1 tbsp. tablespoon of olive oil. Add a bouquet garni and cold water. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook over medium heat for 1 hour.
Season with salt and pepper, then cook for another 30 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
The broth is ready to use, use it to make stews and soups.
You can also skip this recipe for “reconstituted broth” with chicken carcasses.

In infusions

Antibacterial, detox, energizing… Peeling teas have many benefits. And the good news is, the method is very simple and doesn’t change. To do this, you just need to place 5 g of bark in a tea strainer, pour boiling water (do not boil), then brew for 3-10 minutes, depending on the desired intensity. use as needed.
Carrots and apple peels, along with ginger, will be ideal for boosting your energy. A decoction based on onion peel, lemon peel and thyme is recommended for cough.
Real grandmother’s medicine.

In soups and purees

Do you discard vegetable skins when making soups or purees? What a pity! You eliminate half of the vitamins and flavors. It also adds extra work to you.
Next time, don’t bother peeling the vegetables, except for the potatoes and some squash, which are too thick. Cook everything as usual, then blend or puree.
Simple.

In cakes and pies

Carrot cake, muffins with banana peels or pies with pumpkin peels… Peels are also used in savory and sweet pastries. Just chop them up, then use them in place of or in addition to the fruits and vegetables called for in the recipe, and you’re done.

In sweets and spices

Not sure what to do with your citrus peels? There are several options available to you. You can first cut them into sticks and then put them in water and sugar syrup. They will be used to decorate cakes, brioches des rois or can be eaten as is.
Otherwise, turn them into jams and chutneys, accompany cheese or spread on bread.

In food

In a bowl of noodles, in savory pies, in gratins… Finally, you can do anything with vegetable peels. Just think that they cook faster than the second one because they are thinner, but otherwise there is no difference. Proof of this recipe for risotto with celery, celery juice and pumpkin skins.

So, are you ready to switch to an anti-waste kitchen?