In our ongoing quest to address the critical issue of food waste, we have overlooked the fact that a considerable amount of potentially healthy food is frequently abandoned, contributing to a cycle of environmental degradation and resource depletion.
Dear Food People,
We're tackling the big issue of food waste, and it's shocking how much good food ends up in the trash. This isn't just about losing out on delicious meals; it's a major environmental concern too. Food waste contributes significantly to pollution and uses up resources that are becoming increasingly scarce.
Now, you might not think much of those veggie peels and trimmings you toss out, but guess what? They're actually a treasure trove of potential, especially when it comes to making a rich, nutritious vegetable broth. We're all about finding smart, simple ways to cut down on food waste. This week, we're shining a light on how turning those overlooked scraps into broth is not only a win for your health but also for the planet.
Plus, we're going to highlight the critical role of supporting local farmers and small producers in reducing the food industry's carbon footprint. Broth made from vegetable scraps provides a significant boost of vitamins and minerals. This broth is a powerhouse of B vitamins, crucial for managing stress and important for metabolising carbs, fats, and proteins.
But here's the thing: the nutritional punch your broth packs can vary based on the veggies you use and where they come from, making it important to choose your scraps wisely. You might be curious about which vegetable scraps make the cut for a nutrient-dense broth.
We're looking at carrot tops, which are rich in vitamins K and C, as well as celery leaves, which have a burst of flavour and a dose of vitamins A, C, and K. Onion skins contribute a subtle flavour and are packed with antioxidants. Mushroom stems, garlic, citrus peels, ginger, and a variety of herbs not only add depth to the flavour but also bring their own set of vitamins and minerals to the table.
Now, on to making this magical broth. It's surprisingly easy and straightforward. Just gather your vegetable scraps—keeping them in the freezer is a great tip until you have enough to make a batch of broth. You can adjust the flavour intensity by varying the ratio of scraps to water. Add in some aromatic herbs and veggies like onions, carrots, and garlic, then let it all simmer into a flavourful broth.
But it's not all about throwing everything into the pot. There are a couple of things to watch out for. Some veggies might not be the best choice for your broth due to bitterness or potential bacteria. Being mindful of pesticides and heavy metals in your scraps is also crucial for a safe and healthy broth.
Supporting local farmers is a big piece of the sustainability puzzle. By choosing local, you're not only getting fresher produce, but also reducing the environmental impact associated with long-distance food transportation. However, accessibility and cost can vary, so finding a balance that works for you is key.
Food waste significantly impacts the environment. The stakes are high, from unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions like methane to wasted resources used in food production. Making broth from scraps is a positive step, but it's part of a larger conversation about reducing waste and protecting our planet.
And hey, if you've got any thoughts or ideas on how we can tackle environmental or food sustainability issues, or if there's something specific you want us to cover in our future articles, shoot us a message over at dearfoodpeople.com. We'd love to hear from you!
Further Reading:
Zero Waste Chef. (2014, April 5). Waste-Free Vegetable Broth. Available at: https://zerowastechef.com/2014/04/05/waste-free-vegetable-broth/
Garlic & Zest. Scraps Vegetable Broth. Available at: https://www.garlicandzest.com/scraps-vegetable-broth/
Spoonshot (n.d.). Explorer Series - Peels Foods. [PDF] Available at: https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/5917718/Explorer%20series2%20-Peels%20foods_final.pdf
Balancing Andie. The Best Homemade Bone Broth Using Food Scraps. Available at: https://balancingandie.com/the-best-homemade-bone-broth-using-food-scraps/
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