Did you know that the average American throws away up to $2,000 worth of food each year? That’s a lot of money down the drain! One way to help reduce your waste is to start using zero waste spices. This means buying spices in bulk and storing them in reusable containers. Not only will this help reduce your environmental impact, but it will also save you money in the long run. This blog post will discuss how to stock your pantry with zero-waste spices.
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What are zero waste spices?
Zero waste spices are those that are typically thrown away after being used. This can include the stems, roots, and seeds of plants. Using all parts of the plant allows zero waste of spices for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of consuming spices. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it can also help save money in the long run. In addition, zero-waste spices often have a higher nutritional value than their conventionally grown counterparts. When properly stored, zero-waste spices can last just as long as their counterparts.
There are many ways to use zero-waste spices. One common way is to make your spice blends at home. This allows you to tailor the spices to your taste and need. Another way to use zero-waste spices is to add them to smoothies or juices. This can help to boost the flavor and nutrition of these drinks. You can also use zero-waste spices in baking or cooking. Adding these spices to recipes can create unique and flavorful dishes that are sure to please everyone.
Benefits of using zero waste spices
There are many benefits to using zero-waste spices. For one, they help reduce food waste. When you use fresh spices, you know they’ll be used up and won’t go bad before you can get to them. This helps cut down on the amount of food waste produced each year.
Another benefit of using zero-waste spices is that they can help you save money. You can avoid paying for the packaging and the spice itself by using fresh spices instead of pre-packaged ones. This can add up to big savings over time.
Finally, zero-waste spices often have a stronger flavor than their packaged counterparts. You can use less of them to achieve the same flavor. As a result, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also end up with a tastier dish!
If you’re looking to reduce food waste and save money, consider using zero-waste spices in your cooking. You’ll be surprised at the difference they can make.
How to stock your pantry with zero-waste spices?
Keep a few things in mind when stocking your pantry with spices. First, consider what dishes you’ll be making that require spices. Make a list of these dishes and the corresponding spices you’ll need. Second, consider where you’ll be sourcing your spices from. Try to buy bulk from a local spice shop or online retailer that offers sustainable and zero-waste packaging options. Finally, properly store your spices, so they stay fresh and potent for as long as possible. Here are a few tips for stocking your pantry with zero-waste spices:
1. Make a list of the dishes you’ll be making that require spices. This will help you determine which spices you need to purchase.
2. Consider where you’ll be sourcing your spices from. Try to buy bulk from a local spice shop or online retailer that offers sustainable and zero-waste packaging options.
3. Make sure to store your spices properly so they stay fresh and potent for as long as possible. Store spices in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
4. Use fresh spices whenever possible for the best flavor. If using dried spices, be sure to rehydrate them before use by soaking them in water for 30 minutes.
5. When cooking with spices, start with a small amount and add more to taste. This will help prevent your dishes from becoming oversalted or overwhelmed by spices.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to stocking your pantry with zero-waste spices!
Recipes to try with zero-waste spices
1. Spicy roasted cauliflower
Ingredients:
1 cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toss cauliflower with olive oil and spices in a large bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through.
4. Enjoy!
2. Curried lentils
Ingredients:
1 cup dried lentils
2 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 tsp. curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine lentils, vegetable broth, onion, and carrot in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are cooked.
3. Stir in curry powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve on its own or over rice or quinoa.
3. Spicy black bean soup
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add black beans and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt, and enjoy!
4. Moroccan-spiced roasted vegetables
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 large carrot, chopped
1 large sweet potato, chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with spices in a large bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the vegetables are cooked.
4. Serve with couscous or quinoa, and enjoy!
5. chili-lime roasted chickpeas
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and spices in a large bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until crispy.
4. Remove from the oven and toss with fresh lime juice. Enjoy!
6. Indian-spiced roasted eggplant
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant, cut into cubes
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. garam masala
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toss eggplant with olive oil and spices in a large bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through.
4. Serve with rice or naan bread, and enjoy!
7. Spicy roasted sweet potatoes
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, cut into cubes
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices in a large bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through.
4. Serve with rice, quinoa, or grilled chicken, and enjoy!
8. Cajun-spiced roasted vegetables
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 large carrot, chopped
1 large sweet potato, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with spices in a large bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the vegetables are cooked.
4. Serve over rice or quinoa, and enjoy!
9. Jerk-spiced roasted chicken
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. jerk seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil and jerk seasoning.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes, until the chicken is cooked.
4. Serve with rice, beans, or a salad, and enjoy!
10. Curried roasted cauliflower
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Toss cauliflower with olive oil and curry powder in a large bowl.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through.
4. Serve with rice or naan bread, and enjoy!
Tips for reducing food waste
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your pantry eco-friendly without sacrificing flavor. Here are four tips for reducing waste when it comes to spices.
1. Invest in a good spice grinder
Investing in a good spice grinder can make all the difference in reducing waste. By grinding your spices, you’ll be able to use every last bit – no more throwing away unused portions. A quality spice grinder will also allow you to enjoy your spices’ flavor and aroma, as pre-ground spices can quickly lose their potency. In addition, freshly ground spices can add a beautiful touch to any dish, making it look and taste more refined. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce food waste and take your cooking to the next level, invest in a good spice grinder.
2. Store spices properly
Spices are an essential ingredient in many dishes, providing flavor and aroma. However, they can lose their potency quickly if they’re not stored properly. To keep spices fresh, it’s important to store them in a cool, dark place. Cupboards near the stove or windows should be avoided, as the heat and light can cause spices to degrade. In addition, it’s important to ensure that spices are sealed tightly to keep moisture. One way to test if a spice is still fresh is to sniff it – if it doesn’t have much scent, it’s probably time to replace it. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your spices will stay flavorful for months.
3. Buy in bulk
When it comes to spices, freshness is key. Not only do stale spices lose their flavor, but they can also make your food taste bland. As a result, many people throw away half-used containers of spices. However, a simple way to reduce waste and save money is to buy in bulk. By purchasing spices in larger quantities, you’ll be able to keep them fresh for longer. And, since you’ll be using less packaging, you’ll also be doing your part to reduce waste. So next time you’re at the store, look for the bulk section and stock up on your favorite spices. Your taste buds will thank you.
4. Make your spice blends
Make your spice blends. This way, you can use up those odd bits and pieces that might otherwise go to waste. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to customize your blends to suit your taste. You can make a simple blend by mixing equal parts of dried herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and basil. Or, for a more complex blend, try combining different proportions of spices, such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Once you’ve perfected your blend, it will add flavor to all kinds of dishes, from roasted vegetables to grilled chicken. Best of all, you’ll be able to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve saved money and reduced waste in the process.
So there you have it – four tips for reducing waste in spices. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your pantry eco-friendly and your taste buds happy.
Final thoughts
Zero waste spices are a great way to reduce your kitchen’s eco-footprint. Following the tips outlined in this article, you can keep your pantry stocked with flavorful spices while minimizing waste. Whether grinding your spices or buying them in bulk, these strategies will help you reduce food waste and save money. So give them a try – your taste buds will thank you.
