Crafts & DIY
9 Foods You Can Regrow From Kitchen Scraps
Emma Smizer
09.19.16

Food waste has become a huge problem, not only for the world but also for your wallet. It’s no secret that food is expensive and if you’ve ever gone grocery shopping, there’s no doubt that you’re already aware of the high cost of produce. Don’t even get me started on organic produce.

But did you know that you can actually grow plants from vegetable scraps lying around? By following these super easy steps, you can start growing your own 100% organic produce for you and your family, all without ever having to leave the comfort of your own home.

Sounds too good to be true? It’s actually not, thanks to this simple DIY video! Let’s break it down.

1. Green Onions

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livestrongcdn.com

Green onions have some amazing health benefits, along with being incredibly easy to regrow. Thanks to their high levels of vitamin K and D, green onions support healthy bones and eyes. To grow your own green onions, take one stalk with the bulb intact and place the root side in water without fully submerging it. Within 3 to 5 days, you’ll begin to see new growth and can transplant these into a pot or into your own backyard. Make sure you keep their soil damp as green onions thrive when given plenty of water.

2. Celery

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There’s plenty of reasons why celery is a favorite of the health and fitness community. These super-veggies boast a lengthy list of health benefits, such as being a great source of fiber, low in calories, and high in electrolytes – just to name a few. Celery also contains vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6 and potassium. Similarly to green onions, these can be grown by leaving the roots submerged in water, making to sure to keep its leaves dry. Try spraying your celery with water twice a week and you should see new growth within a week!

3. Ginger

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herbalremediesadvice.org

Ginger roots are widely known for helping with digestive problems such as nausea, motion sickness, and even morning sickness caused by pregnancy. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help with muscle soreness and joint pains. To grow ginger, submerge a full root under water overnight and plant in your garden the following day. You’ll want to keep watering your ginger root to help encourage new growth. Harvest your new ginger root within the year.

4. Garlic

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I absolutely love garlic – you can use it to spice up literally any dish and garlic has some amazing health benefits with very little calories. Did you know that garlic can also help you combat the common cold? And did you also know that it is incredibly simple to grow in your own home? Well, now you do! After breaking up your garlic bulb, bury a clove in some damp soil with the pointed end facing upwards. Make sure you give your garlic plenty of sunlight and water. Once you see a few leaves on your new garlic plant, it’s ready to harvest!

5. Lettuce

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Lettuce can be a great substitute food. For example, if you find yourself craving tacos, lettuce can be used in the place of tortillas to give your meal that extra healthy edge. Incorporating lettuce into your daily diet can keep you more hydrated and full of good energy throughout your day, making lettuce a great addition to your lunch. All you’ll need is the stem of you lettuce and some water – check out the video below to start growing your own lettuce!

6. Pineapples

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Pineapples are a great super-fruit. Not only do they have a high level of vitamin C, but they also contain significant levels of manganese, copper and vitamin B6. Pineapples also can help encourage a healthier digestive track and relieve certain types of inflammation. You can also use pineapples in any dish to give it a brighter flavor. Use the video below to help you get started growing your own super-fruit!

7. Potato

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authoritynutrition.com

While potatoes might not be the healthiest vegetable, they are still amazingly versatile and can be used in a seemingly endless amount of dishes. Potatoes can also be a great source of fiber and, thanks to its lack of cholesterol, can help support a healthy heart. Cut up your leftover potatoes into large pieces, each with at least 2 to 3 eyes. Dry the pieces for a couple days and plant – it’s literally that easy!

8. Mushrooms

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91healthcap.com

Mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium, vitamin D, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, and high in antioxidants. Also, thanks to their hardy nature, mushrooms are easily home-grown. Make sure you have a mix of nutrient-rich dirt and compost on hand, as well as a few leftover mushrooms stems. Plant these stalks in your soil blend and continue to water until you see new growth. Once fully matured, harvest your newly grown mushrooms and enjoy.

9. Onions

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rodalesorganiclife.com

For centuries, onions have been used to treat all sorts of maladies, such as healing infections, reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugar and even improving your body’s immune system. Onions can even be used on bee stings to reduce pain and swelling. If you have some overly ripe onions and some extra space in your garden, then you can grow your own onions. Just check out this simply DIY video!

Let us know in the comments about your regrowing adventures! Happy planting!

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[Source: Gardening ABC]

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