Zero Waste DIY Strawberry Vinegar

We've all been there: we go shopping, buy fresh fruit and vegetables and then have to deal with all the packaging, peels and trimmings and sometimes spoilt or wilted produce. We can reduce packaging by taking our own bags and containers when we go shopping but how can we reduce the waste generated by fruit and vegetable trimmings and peels?

Here is a small step in the right direction - we present a zero waste recipe for strawberry vinegar here so that in future, at least when it comes to strawberries, you will no longer have to throw the trimmings away.

DIY Strawberry Vinegar

You will need:
- Strawberries
- Vinegar

Strawberries can be eaten whole. It is important to thoroughly wash them. It is also advisable to use organic fruit as they are not contaminated with pesticides.

Method:
First, collect strawberry trimmings with some strawberry bits attached in a glass jar. The more trimmings you use, the more intense the strawberry taste will be. Fill the jar with vinegar and let it steep in a cool place for a few days. Strain out the strawberry trimmings and your super fruity strawberry vinegar is ready!

Vinegar can be kept for several years, so you can make a large amount right away and fill it in pretty bottles. You can then label the bottles, decorate them and give them away as gifts.

Zero waste in your kitchen

More and more people are interested in learning about how to lead a zero waste life.
Here are a few tips on how you can avoid generating waste in the kitchen:
- Plan a weekly menu
- Before you go shopping, write a list of the groceries you will need for the week
- Try to avoid packaging and take your own basket or a bag with you
- Pay attention to the correct storage of your food (clean and airtight containers)
- The best-before date is only a guideline & unopened packages or products are usually still edible after the expiry date
- If you are using a sheet of parchment paper for non-stick baking, you can reuse it several times. Better still, use a silicone baking mat that can be washed and used for many years
- Use tea towels instead of paper kitchen rolls
- Get plastic-free cleaning utensils
- Collect your organic waste in a kitchen composter and use it after 2 weeks as humus, liquid fertiliser or organic drain cleaner

Enjoy your homemade strawberry vinegar best in a salad dressing and convince your friends not to throw away strawberry trimmings in the future!

Note: Many other fruit and vegetable peels and trimmings can be put to good use. For example, you can whip up a delicious vegetable broth using stems, carrot peels and other vegetable trimmings.