Newport Beach, California-based Side Delights suggests the emerging trend of upcycling as an economical and sustainable solution to rising inflation costs.
Upcycling is the process of transforming by-products, waste materials or unwanted products into new materials and is used for everything from packaging to produce.
According to the company, the potato industry is estimated to generate waste and by-products equal to approximately 12-20 percent of total production volume. Potato peels, pulp and other potato parts can be upcycled into feed for livestock and utilized in potato farming.
While upcycling can take place at the time of production, consumers can also take on the responsibility of upcycling, using nutrient-dense potatoes in various ways:
- Potato peel chips: Organic potato peels can be seasoned and baked at 375°F until crispy (10 to 15 minutes) or air-fried or deep-fried until golden.
- Vegetable stock: Potato peels can be frozen and used to make vegetable stock for healthy soups. Boil the peels for 10 minutes to make a stock or soup base.
- Potato powder: Potato peels can be cleaned, dried and dehydrated in a low-temperature oven or a dehydrator and ground into potato powder to thicken soups and chili.
- Potato crumbs: Create a gluten-free substitute for breadcrumbs. Blend the potato peels in a blender and use them in a recipe in place of breadcrumbs.
Potato peels are also being used in other ways such as crafting potato vodka and skin care.
Another way for cost-conscious consumers to eliminate potato waste is to use the whole potato for recipes, such as Cheesy Potato Skins or Parmesan Smashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic Aioli.
“Since potato prices are up and overall inflation has increased food prices by double digits, upcycling potato peels makes sense,” said Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network.
“Using the whole potato while enjoying new ways to consume it, reinforces the potato’s value. Saving money while spending time around the table with friends and family is especially important at this time of year and during these economic conditions.”
Side Delights offers an assortment of potato products, including potato kits, convenience potatoes, petite potatoes, fresh-cut potatoes and organic potatoes.
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