Maven Moment: Hey, That Food Is Still Good!

Maven Moment: Hey, That Food Is Still Good!

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I used to be very disillusioned yesterday to seek out that some potatoes I purchased, though they seemed good on the skin, had massive, spoiled spots on the within. But I didn’t throw them out; they nonetheless had some good elements.

I laughed, remembering how Mom would declare, “Hey, that’s nonetheless good!” as she fastidiously reduce out the spoiled bits. Sure, the potato (or apple or piece of cheese) was one-quarter the dimensions when she was completed with it, however she was not going to throw away meals that was nonetheless good. I’m the identical manner; I take advantage of the nice elements and put the spoiled items within the compost pile.

It’s not onerous to make use of up items of trimmed fruit. Just toss them collectively in a fruit salad or mix them right into a smoothie. If I’ve only a few items, I’ll combine them with yogurt or my morning oatmeal.

There are much more prospects for bits of greens. If I’ve small quantities of veggies (like just a few strips of pepper), I’ll add them to an omelet or a stir fry. A half of a cup of peas or some broccoli stems may very well be peeled, chopped, and added to a stew or to mac and cheese.

Pasta primavera is a good way to make use of bits of carrot, zucchini, peas, asparagus, or no matter you’ve got available — you don’t have to have a whole lot of any single vegetable to make this dish. Toss the veggies with cooked pasta and a few good olive oil for a satisfying, frugal vegan meal that makes use of up these good bits.

I additionally wish to make minestrone soup to make use of up bits and items of greens. Cook no matter greens you’ve got in a broth with tomatoes, beans, and tiny pasta and serve it with a pleasant crusty piece of bread. This soup is nice for the tip of your backyard’s harvest season when you might have little or no left.

You may even use cleaned veggie peels and stems to make vegetable inventory. Just be certain that the skins aren’t waxed like turnips typically are. I freeze carrot peels and tops, zucchini stems, and onion ends, and when I’ve sufficient, I wrap them in cheesecloth and put the bundle in my gradual cooker to simmer. When it’s completed, I can compost all of it, even the cheesecloth!

So earlier than you throw “spoiled” meals out, examine: Are some elements nonetheless good? With only a little bit of thought, we will forestall a lot food waste.

This article was initially printed on February 17, 2021.
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