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Reusing your vegetable scraps is just one way to make an effort to be more environmentally conscious. By making use of those vegetable scraps in other cooking, you can reduce food waste and maybe even save a little money while you’re at it. One main way to use vegetable scraps is to make a broth or stock out of it. Read on further to learn more about how to help reduce food waste by using those leftover vegetable scraps.
Why Vegetable Scraps?
Vegetable scraps are a huge portion of food waste. Think about it: How much of your garbage can is potato peels, carrot and broccoli stumps, and onion skin? If you compost, you’ve already got a leg up on most Americans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says food waste clocks in at 22% of most municipal waste. One big way to reduce this starts with reusing those vegetable scraps instead of sending them to a landfill. To read more about food waste in America, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website here.
Help Reduce Food Waste
You can easily start to reduce food waste by using those vegetable scraps. Not only do you stop those scraps from ending up in a landfill, but you’ll end up with ingredients you can make another meal out of. When you are considering what to cook for dinner or prepare as a snack, try to think of what may go to waste. Reduce food waste by using vegetable scraps as “leftovers” rather than garbage. Treat it as an ingredient and extra element of flavor, not trash.
If you don’t end up using or freezing the scraps, consider composting. Though vegetable scraps and other food waste is biodegradable, composting accelerates the process— Your food will degrade much quicker in the compost than in a landfill. Plus, compost can be used in the garden as a natural fertilizer and soil alongside potting soil.
5 Ways to Use Vegetable Scraps
There are several ways to use vegetable scraps before it ends up in the compost pile or landfill. It’s a simple but important step toward reducing waste and being environmentally efficient. Get creative! If you don’t have a use for scraps right when you have them, throw them in a bag in the freezer and pull them out later.
Juice It
Juice those scraps or throw it in smoothies. Think of celery leaves, ribs of kale, or carrot peels for extra fiber and nutrients. If you have a juicer, you can easily use almost any vegetable scrap you have. Juicing vegetables is a great way to reduce waste, eat healthy, and save money in one easy move.
Freeze It
Leftover herbs and alliums like minced garlic and onion can easily be frozen in olive oil and used for cooking later. Use an ice cube tray to freeze the flavorful oil cubes and throw it in a hot frying pan when you’re ready.
Shred It
Broccoli stumps, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and carrot peels don’t need to be tossed. Rather, shred them with a food processor or simply a kitchen knife and use in slaws and salads. Add in some leftover herbs while you’re at it and finish the salad with a drizzle of Tacoma Boys Walla Walla Sweet Onion and Poppy Seed Dressing or Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette.
Homemade Broth and Sauce
One of the most common ways to use vegetable scraps is to make a homemade vegetable broth or stock. There are many guides out there on how to get started, like this Vegetable Broth With Kitchen Scraps recipe by Little Broken. It’s simple enough as throwing the scraps into a pot of water with a few spices and boiling for a few hours. Use that finished vegetable broth with Tacoma Boys Field Day Organic or Eden Organic Beans and Fresh Vegetables to make a hearty soup. You can also make tomato sauce with vegetable scraps from tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
Replant
Save those stumps and seeds to replant into soil or regrow in water. Onions, lettuce, and carrot can all be regrown from stumps back to their former glory. If you want to save the seeds, check out this guide on how to store them by SF Gate. A whole new plant might not always pop up from a seed, but imagine how exciting it would be if it did!
Shop for Fresh Produce with Tacoma Boys
The first step to reducing food waste is shopping smart. At Tacoma Boys, we have all the tools to help you find exactly what you’re looking for and more. With a variety of specialty and high quality items and seasonings, you can eat tasty food without wasting leftovers. Stop by to gain some cooking inspiration and see what you can do with your scraps!
To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!
You might buy branded, everyday items in bulk at a discount store. But when it comes to your produce? …
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Few food pairs are as timeless and versatile as oil and vinegar. There are several types of oils and vinegars harvested and produced in the world: Different varieties of each are useful in a wide range of cooking methods and recipes in every cuisine. Mixing the two is a popular way to make use of both versatile, tasty, and often healthful ingredients.
Why Pair Oil and Vinegar
The combination of oil and vinegar has long been used in many cuisines for several dishes. Acidic vinegar balances and contrasts with fatty oil in a base for salad dressings, marinades, and more. Whether you’re looking at popular olive oil, nutty coconut oil, pungent sesame oil, or neutral avocado oil, there’s a way to make use of it alongside trusty vinegar. For example, olive oil and balsamic vinegar are a classic pair — and always available at Tacoma Boys in many varieties! To fully taste the classic combination, dip pieces of bread into a shallow bowl full of Stonewall Kitchen Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Napa Valley Natural Organic Extra Virgin Basil-Infused Olive Oil, and herbs. This recipe for Bread Dipping Oil is a good guide with step-by-step instructions on how to assemble such a dip.
Once you notice how useful and common the combination of oil and vinegar is, you will start to see it in everything! Some of the best salad dressings, sauces, dips, spreads, soups, and marinades rely on these two ingredients.
Health Benefits of Oil and Vinegar
Aside from adding flavor and texture to a meal, consuming certain oils and vinegars can provide nutrients and health benefits. Like most any food, the health benefits vary between different types – And moderation is always key. Avocado oil and olive oil are common favorites in the world of oils: Although they contain fats, these fats are monounsaturated. That means they’re the good, healthy fats that regulate cholesterol and give you everyday energy.
Vinegar certainly provides health benefits because it is a fermented food. Alongside fermented friends like yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut, these foods contain probiotics that help maintain digestion and an overall healthy gut. Fermented foods also support your immune system. Apple cider vinegar is one variety that is hailed for its health benefits: Some people drink Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar straight from the bottle to reap its immune-boosting rewards!
For an example, olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar can:
- Provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Lower unhealthy cholesterol levels
- Reduce diabetes risk
- Improve blood flow and reduce hypertension
Cooking with Oil and Vinegar
When cooking with oil and vinegar, it’s important to account for the taste of both and the smoke point of oils. Heating oils with a low smoke point, like olive oil, can result in burned oil and a smoky kitchen. Rather, try opting for “high heat” oils that won’t burn in your skillet. Avocado oil is growing in popularity for its use in high heat cooking. Same goes for refined coconut oil (which is flavorless).
Olive oil, while not ideal for cooking at a high temperature, should have a pleasant taste. Same goes for some other oils like sesame oil. This is why they’re often used as a flavor agent in dressing and dips: In fact, consuming olive oil raw is the most nutritious way to do it! Next time you go to sauté some onions or whip up a salad dressing, keep this in mind. Cooking with oil and vinegar utilizes fat and acid. These are two of some of the main tenets of good cooking that will help you achieve a balanced-tasting meal! Adding a dash of vinegar to soups, stews, sauces, and salads are as easy way to balance things out with a little acidity.
Vinaigrettes
If you add oil and vinegar to the same container, you’ll notice they don’t easily mix. However, you can emulsify oil and vinegar with some firm whisking and a bit of patience.This is the definition of a vinaigrette!
- Aside from tasting delicious on a salad, a vinaigrette can make up the base of a marinade for meat and vegetables.
- The oil in a vinaigrette will coat the meat to allow seasonings to stick while the vinegar will tenderize the meat. Both add great flavor.
- Add seasonings and other ingredients to bring out the best taste in your meal! Herbs, garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, and spreads like dijon mustard are common additions to vinaigrettes.
- Give it a shot using this Basic Vinaigrette Recipe with a couple variations.
Grilled Caprese Chicken
One of our favorite ways to enjoy balsamic vinegar is on this tasty Grilled Caprese Chicken dish. After grilling the chicken with avocado oil, a good drizzle of balsamic vinegar will pull those flavors together perfectly.
Stop By For Supplies!
Tacoma Boys stock of speciality products ensures you’ll find just the right oil and vinegar for your cooking needs. This includes Delallo vinegars, Napoleon olive oils and vinegars, Spectrum Sunflower and Coconut Oil, Roland truffle oils, and much more. If you ever have a question or need help finding your favorite, don’t ever hesitate to ask! To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!
The air is warming, the flowers are blooming, and it’s just about time for a spring picnic. Springtime brings with it the chance to pack up some food, find a cozy patch of grass and roll out the blanket. Whatever else you like to do outdoors is up to you —Anyone up for a round of croquet?!— But tasty food, good company, and a nice space in the grass are timeless tenants of a spring picnic.
It’s easy to put together a spring picnic for you and your friends, significant other, or even solo! And it’s a great way to take advantage of the nice weather while we have the chance. You’re going to eat anyway— Might as well do it in a fun, different setting! But some people may not know where to start and how to plan for a fun afternoon picnicking. It doesn’t have to be complicated: However, Tacoma Boys has a few tips to get you ready for a season full of spring picnics.
Spring Picnic Tips
As lovely as a spring picnic sounds, some small details can trip you up and make for a less-than-ideal experience. Try to plan ahead and be prepared with sunscreen, water, utensils, plates, and of course, several snacks. And never forget the napkins, lest your adorable picnic blanket be subject to greasy fingers or small spills. Coolers are a good idea, too, if you plan to spend more than a couple hours enjoying the sunshine.
To make it an extra special spring picnic, place one of Tacoma Boys’ fresh flower bouquets in the center of your picnic blanket!
Another suggestion to avoid bugs involves something you usually don’t bring outside: Light scented candles, specifically citrus-scented, to help ward away bees, gnats, flies, etc.
Location, Location, Location
The local public park is good. Your own backyard is fine. But this is a time to get creative! Think of your favorite nearby viewpoint, sandy beach, or grassy lake. The space doesn’t need to be fit with benches and waist-high picnic tables to host a lovely afternoon spring picnic. However, outdoor areas with picnic tables can be convenient. Whatever gets you to enjoy your spring picnic outdoors will work great!
Tacoma Boys’ Favorite Picnic Recipes
Before you go flocking to local parks or migrating to the backyard, you’ll want to have some picnic recipes ready to go. These are just a few light snacks and foods that can be picnic-perfect.
- This is a great time to take advantage of Tacoma Boys’ deli grab-and-go foods, like packaged Baked Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, or Sicilian Pasta Salad. These salads are easy to nibble on all afternoon and so delicious!
- Picnic recipes can be as simple as filling cut raw celery full of Sabra Roasted Garlic Hummus or Tillamook Cream Cheese. Just top with your favorite nuts and seeds!
- Other finger foods like chopped raw vegetables with Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dip and Crescent Meats Spicy Sticks are great for picnicking.
- Everyone loves chips and salsa! Tacoma Boys offers several varieties of jarred and fresh packaged salsas like Gourmet Pico de Gallo and Hatch Tomatillo Salsa. Plus, Tacoma Boys Blue Corn Tortilla Chips will add a fun burst of color to your spring picnic spread.
- Charcuterie boards are one of the easiest customizable picnic recipes. Tacoma Boys’ wide selection of snackable and specialty meat and cheese, like Boar’s Head Rolled Mozzarella & Prosciutto, and Creminelli Uncured Italian Salami are a simple base to your charcuterie board.
Eating Outside & The Benefits of Being in Nature
What better way to reap the benefits of nature in such sunny weather than with a spring picnic? There’s solid evidence that spending time outdoors, while eating or not, can reduce stress. Especially when the weather begins to warm, being around nature in the fresh open air is a great mood-booster.
Dining al fresco has been a fun, casual way to spend time and make memories with your loved ones for centuries. The natural setting is laid-back and allows for more focus on food and friends. When you take your lunch or afternoon snacks outside, it’s easier to take time to appreciate the food you’re enjoying and soak in the benefits of nature!
Celebrate Earth Day While You’re At It
If you happen to be out and about on April 22, make the effort to appreciate and sustain our planet’s resources. Earth Day on April 22 is all about taking time to respect and care for the environment. Opt for reusable utensils made with the likes of metal or bamboo, and glass mason jars rather than disposable to-go containers. Also consider:
- Cloth napkins, which are eco-friendly and aesthetic.
- Finger foods are your friend! This reduces the need for plates and utensils.
- A small garbage bag for the waste you will have to dispose of.
- A nature walk after your picnic. Reap the benefits of nature by simply taking in the scene.
Get Prepped at Tacoma Boys
It’s quite easy to throw together a basket full of food and get out to enjoy the springtime in nature. When you’re ready for a spring picnic, Tacoma Boys can help you get prepared. Stop by for grab-and-go foods, snacks, and any other ingredients you need to create your perfect picnic. For more tips on an enjoyable afternoon picnicking, check out our summer picnic guide from last year. And to stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!
Reusing your vegetable scraps is just one way to make an effort to be more environmentally conscious. By making use of those vegetable scraps in other cooking, you can reduce food waste and maybe even save a little money while you’re at it. One main way to use vegetable scraps is to make a broth or stock out of it. Read on further to learn more about how to help reduce food waste by using those leftover vegetable scraps.
Why Vegetable Scraps?
Vegetable scraps are a huge portion of food waste. Think about it: How much of your garbage can is potato peels, carrot and broccoli stumps, and onion skin? If you compost, you’ve already got a leg up on most Americans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says food waste clocks in at 22% of most municipal waste. One big way to reduce this starts with reusing those vegetable scraps instead of sending them to a landfill. To read more about food waste in America, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website here.
Help Reduce Food Waste
You can easily start to reduce food waste by using those vegetable scraps. Not only do you stop those scraps from ending up in a landfill, but you’ll end up with ingredients you can make another meal out of. When you are considering what to cook for dinner or prepare as a snack, try to think of what may go to waste. Reduce food waste by using vegetable scraps as “leftovers” rather than garbage. Treat it as an ingredient and extra element of flavor, not trash.
If you don’t end up using or freezing the scraps, consider composting. Though vegetable scraps and other food waste is biodegradable, composting accelerates the process— Your food will degrade much quicker in the compost than in a landfill. Plus, compost can be used in the garden as a natural fertilizer and soil alongside potting soil.
5 Ways to Use Vegetable Scraps
There are several ways to use vegetable scraps before it ends up in the compost pile or landfill. It’s a simple but important step toward reducing waste and being environmentally efficient. Get creative! If you don’t have a use for scraps right when you have them, throw them in a bag in the freezer and pull them out later.
Juice It
Juice those scraps or throw it in smoothies. Think of celery leaves, ribs of kale, or carrot peels for extra fiber and nutrients. If you have a juicer, you can easily use almost any vegetable scrap you have. Juicing vegetables is a great way to reduce waste, eat healthy, and save money in one easy move.
Freeze It
Leftover herbs and alliums like minced garlic and onion can easily be frozen in olive oil and used for cooking later. Use an ice cube tray to freeze the flavorful oil cubes and throw it in a hot frying pan when you’re ready.
Shred It
Broccoli stumps, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and carrot peels don’t need to be tossed. Rather, shred them with a food processor or simply a kitchen knife and use in slaws and salads. Add in some leftover herbs while you’re at it and finish the salad with a drizzle of Tacoma Boys Walla Walla Sweet Onion and Poppy Seed Dressing or Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette.
Homemade Broth and Sauce
One of the most common ways to use vegetable scraps is to make a homemade vegetable broth or stock. There are many guides out there on how to get started, like this Vegetable Broth With Kitchen Scraps recipe by Little Broken. It’s simple enough as throwing the scraps into a pot of water with a few spices and boiling for a few hours. Use that finished vegetable broth with Tacoma Boys Field Day Organic or Eden Organic Beans and Fresh Vegetables to make a hearty soup. You can also make tomato sauce with vegetable scraps from tomatoes, onions, and herbs.
Replant
Save those stumps and seeds to replant into soil or regrow in water. Onions, lettuce, and carrot can all be regrown from stumps back to their former glory. If you want to save the seeds, check out this guide on how to store them by SF Gate. A whole new plant might not always pop up from a seed, but imagine how exciting it would be if it did!
Shop for Fresh Produce with Tacoma Boys
The first step to reducing food waste is shopping smart. At Tacoma Boys, we have all the tools to help you find exactly what you’re looking for and more. With a variety of specialty and high quality items and seasonings, you can eat tasty food without wasting leftovers. Stop by to gain some cooking inspiration and see what you can do with your scraps!
To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!
Simple Greek Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a classic lunch or side dish that’s perfect for a spring picnic or backyard barbecue. Many people enjoy it as a quick lunch on the go, too! This Greek-inspired pasta salad takes ingredients like olives, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, and feta cheese that go so well together.
Citrus Herb Grilled Salmon
A super easy everyday dinner, this simple grilled salmon tastes just right thanks to fresh, high quality ingredients. Tacoma Boys’ Columbia River Steelhead Salmon only needs light seasoning like fresh herbs, minced garlic, and lemon.
Grilled Carrots With Maple Tahini Drizzle
Grilled carrots taste amazing already, but the simple maple tahini dressing and toppings of nuts and herbs make this side dish stand out. Tahini, or sesame seed paste, adds a savory taste and creamy texture while maple syrup sweetens things up.
Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes
Sweet and refreshing, these personal key lime cheesecakes are perfect size for a dessert for one. Fresh lime juice and zest brings strong flavors while simple ingredients like cream cheese, whipped cream, sugar, and Tacoma Boys’ Vanilla Extract make up the rest of the cheesecake.
Grilled Caprese Chicken
This grilled chicken recipe is a perfect spin-off of a caprese salad. Each bite combines fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze with juicy seasoned chicken. Light and fresh, it’s super simple to prepare and cook in a pinch. (more…)
Pesto Grilled Cheese with Kale
A grown-up version of the traditional cheese sandwich, this Pesto Grilled Cheese with Kale is great for kids too! Sneak a little extra greens into their diet by layering the kale with sharp melty cheddar cheese and crisp sourdough bread. (more…)
Lemon Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Who knew a layered cake could be so easy to make?! This layered blueberry lemon cake is an easy way to spruce up any boxed cake mix. The best part? Homemade lemon cream cheese frosting - yes please! This recipe is a great way to impress family and friends with minimal work - we'd say that's a win! (more…)
Irish Beer Cheese Dip
Looking for an easy and approachable recipe to help celebrate the arrival of the spring season? This beer cheese dip recipe is just for you! Pour over a quality sausage from the Tacoma Boys deli or serve alongside your favorite pretzels. The options are endless.