Trash cooking: what it is and some examples

The trash cooking is a culinary technique that consists of taking food leftovers to prepare other different dishes. It is positive because it generates a lower impact on the ecological footprint of the planet. It also represents savings for families.

This method has been applied in homes for many years, although now it has become a trend, since prestigious chefs have begun to implement it in their routines, thus showing it on social networks. In fact, there are complete cookbooks of trash cooking.

What is trash cooking?

As we have advanced, the trash cooking It results from using the leftovers of the dishes to make new preparations. There are many wastes that, if not consumed at the moment, can be used, since they do not have a microbiological risk. However, keep in mind that it is necessary to be very hygienic when this process is launched.

For example, if the leftovers are of a type of raw food, the fact of storing them could generate a growth of pathogenic microorganisms inside. By consuming them later you could get an infection, as evidenced by a study published in the journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Notably the concept of trash cooking it is something common in oriental cuisine, in which there is a culture of maximum use of the product. In these areas, awareness of food waste is greater, so leftovers are usually saved in order to reuse them.

To know more: How to differentiate a food poisoning from the stomach flu?

Examples of trash cooking

We are going to give you a series of examples of dishes made from the technique of trash cooking, so that in this way you learn to implement it optimally.

Elaboration of smoothies with ripe fruit or with jam

It is possible that the fruit will go beyond its point of maturity when stored. Many people choose to throw away the product when this happens.

However, it is possible to use them to elaborate smoothies and shakes, since it contains a higher proportion of sugars in its interior than the pieces that are still green. It will be possible to make recipes without using added sugar.

This is a great plus, since the ingestion of large amounts of simple carbohydrates has been shown to be harmful to the body. In addition, if oats are added to the smoothie, beyond the fruit or jam, an adequate supply of fiber will be guaranteed that will delay the absorption of carbohydrates.

Improve the aroma of the preparations with the skin of the fruits

Although it usually ends up in the trash, the skin of fruits and many vegetables is a source of micronutrients and aromas. If used as an additive in culinary preparations the organoleptic quality of the same can be improved.

In fact, there are already a multitude of dishes that incorporate lemon peel zest into their recipe. However, the same can be done with other foods to achieve greater flavor potency.

Using leftover meat to make broths

Both bones and leftover meat have a powerful flavor. In addition, they still have a large amount of protein inside. These nutrients are able to help prevent the development of pathologies such as sarcopenia, according to a study published in the journal BioMed Research International.

Thus, leftover meat and fish should be used to make broths and soups. These, later, can be ingredients in rice or pasta recipes or served as a first course with noodles. There are many culinary possibilities offered by a good stock, for example, made with fish bones.

Now, be careful not to keep the remains of food of animal origin for a long time in the fridge. Despite being kept cold, proteins can go rancid. Also, bacteria may grow inside it. For this reason, it is recommended to cook it as soon as possible. Remember also that they should not be stored at room temperature.

To know more: Reasons not to eat these 5 kinds of fish

Trash cooking or the art of taking advantage of leftovers

As you have seen, you can waste less food and save on your weekly shopping if a use is made of the leftovers. Both vegetable skins and waste from animal products have a place when preparing new preparations.

For this reason, we recommend that you experiment in this regard, although always maintaining hygienic behaviors to avoid health problems related to poisoning. In this way, you will increasingly reduce your personal ecological footprint, so you will be helping to take care of the planet.