Using Household Fruit and Vegetable Waste in Recipes to Reduce Kitchen Food Waste and their Nutritional and Functional Values

Abstract

The formation of food waste brings numerous issues such as inefficient use of nutrients, social injustice, and economic and ecological losses. The aim of this study is to reduce fruit and vegetable waste, which are among the most common kitchen wastes, with new recipes, and to explore the advantages they provide to human health. The study developed 20 different recipes using parts typically considered waste in the kitchen, like stems, stalks, and peels from 11 fruits and 9 vegetables, and calculated their nutritional values using the BEBIS program (Nutrition Information System). Additionally, the functional properties of the fruit and vegetable waste used in the study were examined in light of scientific literature. Results showed that parts of fruits and vegetables considered as waste might have valuable nutritional properties, such as being a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Among the recipes created with fruit waste, the chocolate balls with pomegranate peel powder had the highest energy value (4255.3 kcal), the sweet chicken with orange flavor had the highest protein content (122.1 g), and the watermelon dessert had the highest fiber content (25.3 g). Among the recipes made with vegetable waste, the puff pastry with leek leaves had the highest energy value (2740 kcal), and the savory cake with cauliflower and potatoes contained the most protein (222.2 g) and fiber (184.1 g). Using parts like stems, peels, and leaves considered food waste in recipes also imparts functional properties to the recipes. The food waste used in this study possesses properties in the literature such as anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, prevention of neurological disorders, and anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, and anti-aging effects.