Scrapped Up...

There are many reasons to upcycle your kitchen scraps: save money, save the planet, or simply fill up free time. No matter your reason we believe in breaking everything down to its marrow. Our Scrapped Up Series is here to show you how to revamp your "trash" into usable products that make your life easier!

Today we’re talking pineapples! These fruits are high in vitamins and essential minerals that were once considered an exotic dish served only to noblemen. The inside flesh can be used in a myriad of ways:

• By itself or mixed with other fruits (tropicals like mango mix well)

• Juiced (naturally sweetens green juices especially)

• Salsa (add mangoes, cilantro, red onion, and whatever peppers you have)

• Grilled on skewers (chicken, pork, or marinated tofu and mixed vegetables)

After the inside flesh is harvested, you are left with three main scrap pieces: the top, the core, and the peels or skin.

Here at DCC anything that can be propagated should be, in that spirit, the pineapple top can easily be set in water to grow another pineapple plant. To do this twist the top off grabbing from the base, peel off the bottom layers of leaves, and set it in your favorite container with water. Change water daily if possible, but wait no more than one week, keeping an eye on the cloudiness of the water. As the roots mature, the water may need more frequent water changes. Once roots have sprouted transfer to well-draining soil and set in a sunny spot. Pineapples are tropical plants so they can handle more humidity, keep them well watered and give them at least 5 hours of sunlight to ensure healthy fruit production.

Next, gather the peelings and place them in a saucepot. Fill with water about two inches from the top of the peels. Bring to a boil then simmer for 25-30 minutes. Turn off the heat then and let the peels steep for another 30 minutes. Strain the peels then pass through a cheesecloth to separate the fine particles. Pineapple water can be:

• Steeped with cinnamon and drank iced or hot for pineapple tea

• Used as a fresh face toner

• Added to a bath for a relaxing spa day

Now you’re left with the core. This can be chopped and used for a marinade, placed in aluminum foil with pork, tofu, or chicken and cilantro then grilled for pineapple-infused flavor.

Come back for more tips, tricks, and some hair-brained ideas to revamp your leftovers with our weekly Scrapped Up Series! Share