Transforming Scraps into Flavorful Syrups

Food waste has become a pressing concern in recent years. As a result, scrap cooking has emerged as a sustainable and creative approach to reduce our environmental footprint while also maximizing the potential of ingredients.

Transforming Scraps into Flavorful Syrups

WHAT IS SCRAP COOKING?

Scrap cooking involves utilizing leftover food items such as vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and other kitchen remnants to create flavourful and nutritious meals. By harnessing the often-overlooked parts of our ingredients, we can transform what might have been discarded into culinary delights.

Not only does scrap cooking contribute to reducing food waste, but it also offers a range of benefits, including cost savings, increased resourcefulness, and the opportunity to explore new flavours and cooking techniques. Embracing scrap cooking can help the planet while simultaneously spark culinary creativity in the kitchen.

WHAT SCRAPS CAN BE USED?

When it comes to scrap cooking, there is vast potential for repurposing food scraps.

  • Vegetable peels: Potato skins, carrot tops, and onion skins, can be transformed into flavourful stocks, crispy snacks, or even pesto
  • Herb stems: Infuse soups and sauces with aromatic goodness
  • Fruit scraps: Citrus peels, banana peels, or apple cores, or fruit pits can be used to make zesty syrups, infused waters, or even dehydrated chips
  • Leftover bread: Stale crusts can be transformed into breadcrumbs, croutons, or savoury bread puddings
  • Bones and meat scraps: Simmer into rich broths for soups or stews

The possibilities are endless, and by embracing the variety of food scraps available, we can unlock a whole new world of flavours and reduce our impact on the planet at the same time.

CUISIPRO SCRAPPY SYRUP

Indulge in a delightful and sustainable culinary adventure with our scrappy syrup recipe, where we transform often discarded fruit scraps into a luscious and versatile sweet topping.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of fruit scraps such as citrus peels, berry stems, or stone fruit skins and pits*
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 1/2 cups of sugar
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to add a touch of acidity

    Tools

    *Note: When it comes to making fruit syrup from scraps, the possibilities are quite diverse. You can get creative and use a wide range of fruit scraps to infuse unique flavours into your syrup. Citrus peels, such as orange, lemon, and lime, are excellent options that bring a bright and zesty essence to the syrup. Berry stems, like strawberry or raspberry, can impart a subtle sweetness and delicate aroma.

    If you have stone fruits like peaches, plums, or cherries, don't discard the skins and pits! They can lend a delightful depth of flavor to your syrup. By experimenting with different fruit scraps, you can discover a myriad of delicious combinations that will tantalize your taste buds and make your syrup truly one-of-a-kind.

    Method

    1. In a saucepan, combine the fruit scraps and water. Allow them to simmer over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by half. This step helps extract the flavors from the scraps and infuse them into the syrup.
    2. Once the liquid has reduced, strain out the solids from the saucepan.
    3. Then, add 1 1/2 cups of sugar to the remaining liquid back to the saucepan, and stir well to combine. *The sugar will sweeten the syrup and act as a natural preservative.
    4. Return the saucepan to the stove and continue simmering the syrup for another 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency. As the syrup simmers, it will gradually thicken, resulting in a rich and luscious texture.
    5. For a tangy twist, consider stirring in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice into the syrup. The lemon juice adds a refreshing and zesty flavor that complements various desserts.
    6. Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. After cooling, transfer the syrup into a Cuisipro Leak Proof Jar for easy storage and serving.
    7. To ensure the longevity of your syrup, store it in the refrigerator, where it can then be kept for up to two weeks.

    Watch the step by step video: 

    You can use your homemade fruit syrup over pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or any other dessert that tickles your taste buds. The syrup will add a burst of natural fruit flavors, elevating your dish to a whole new level.

     

    Enjoy!