In the kitchen, every cent counts, and with grocery prices soaring, it's more important than ever to stretch budgets and get creative with cooking.

That's why people are always on the lookout for clever tricks that can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, especially when it comes to reducing waste.

A gem of a tip has been found from a resourceful mum that's sure to sweeten kitchen routines without breaking the bank.


This savvy mum has taken to social media to share her genius idea for making the most of the often-discarded parts of strawberries.

Instead of tossing those tops away, she's found a way to transform them into a delightful treat that families can't get enough of.

‘Creating something from scraps is a great way to save money,’ she explained to a group on social media.

‘Today I tried strawberry syrup from strawberry tops I have been saving in the freezer for a few weeks.’


Her method is as simple as it is ingenious. She simmered the strawberry tops with sugar and water, creating a fragrant mixture. She then strained to produce a delicious syrup.

‘I made pancakes while keeping watch on it. Hit with the kids,’ she said.

And it's not just strawberries that get this treatment; she also mentioned making lemon syrup.


But why stop at syrup? This mum's creativity extends to other areas of the kitchen as well.

She shared her experience with roasting a duck for the first time and how she cleverly used the drippings and carcass to make a rich, flavorful broth.

The online community quickly praised her strawberry syrup trick. ‘Such a great idea with the strawberries,’ said one user.

‘Can this syrup be preserved/canned? Or does it have to be used right away?’ one curious member asked.

The answer depends on the sugar-to-water ratio. A one-to-one ratio could last a month or two, while a higher sugar content could extend the syrup's life to six months.


The conversation didn't end there. Members of the group began sharing their own tips for using kitchen scraps.

‘With leftover fruits you can also make fruit leather! Puree it and then bake in the oven at 60 degrees for a minimum of 4 hours depending on thickness,’ one user said.

One member added, ‘Save vege scraps in a container in the freezer, boil up with some stock...perfect winter lunches at work.’

So, the next time you're about to throw away those strawberry tops or vegetable peels, pause and consider the possibilities.

Put that homemade strawberry syrup to good use with this pancake recipe that will instantly upgrade your breakfast game!

Ready to put your leftover vegetable stock to the test? Try this recipe for vegetable and ham rice by our member @Suzanne rose!

With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of ingenuity, you could turn those scraps into something scrumptious and save some money.
Have you tried any clever kitchen tricks lately? Do you have a favourite way to repurpose food scraps? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!