Billions of pounds of food is unnecessarily wasted each year. Here’s how to preserve herbs, flowers, and fruit and turn them into delicious flavor bombs.

Before you throw away those herbs wilting in your fridge, consider this: 30 to 40 percent of the food supply in America is wasted. Consumers contribute to that number in large part by overbuying and tossing uneaten leftovers and food scraps in the garbage. 

I’m guilty of this, too — specifically when it comes to fresh herbs. As hard as I try, I can never seem to use them fast enough. And sure, the droopy greens end up in my compost, but I’ve been on the search for a way I can reuse them in a more meaningful way. Enter: DIY olive oil herb flavor bombs — an easy cooking prep hack and your next delicious recipe starter. 

Want to get more creative? We’re also detailing how to make beautiful edible flower- and fruit-infused ice cubes, so you can wow your friends at your next get-together.

Read more: Hydrating and Healthy: Watermelon Passion Fruit Smoothie Recipe

Herbs and edible flowers. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.

Olive Oil Herb Flavor Bomb

What you’ll need:

• Ice cube tray
• Olive oil
• On-the-way-out herbs
• Sharp chef’s knife

Directions: 

1. Wash and dry your ice cube tray.
2. Finely chop herbs and add to individual cubes, lightly packing into the molds.
3. Pour olive oil into cube molds, filling to the top of each.
4. Place in freezer overnight.
5. Pop desired amount of cubes out of the mold and add them to a hot pan to melt for your next sauté.

Pouring drink into edible flower ice cubes. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.

Read more: A Better Breakfast: Thin Mint Overnight Oats Recipe 

Ice Cubes With Edible Flowers And Fruit

What you’ll need: 

• Ice cube tray
• Edible flowers
• Fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
• Small paring knife
• Water

Directions: 

1. Wash and dry your ice cube tray.
2. Chop desired fruit into small, 1-inch pieces. Leave flowers as is or slice them into smaller bits.
3. Place fruit pieces and flowers into individual cubes. Alternate between each cube mold, or combine for a fruit and flower mashup.
4. Pour water into cube molds, filling to the top of each.
5. Place in the freezer overnight.
6. Take ice cubes out of the mold as needed and add them to your favorite beverage.
7. When ice melts, eat the flowers and fruit!

Cocktail made with edible flower ice cubes. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.

Read more: 3 Flavor-Packed Recipes You Won’t Believe Are Vegan

Did you try our ice cube DIY? Share your results with us by tagging @avocadomattress on Instagram or Facebook.

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