ComScore

6 Veggies You Can (Actually) Regrow from Scraps

And now, a much shorter grocery list

So, technically, you can regrow any of your produce--with, like, potting soil and irrigation and everything. But what are we, farmers? That’s why we were excited to learn that some veggies are actually super easy to regrow right in your kitchen from dinner scraps. No dirt necessary--just a glass, some water and sunshine. Here, six veggies you don’t have to toss. 

Green Onions

All you need are some green onion roots (the white parts) that didn’t make it into your nacho dip. Arrange them, roots down, in a glass or mason jar and fill with water until covered. In a week, you’ll have a bounty of your favorite garnish. Just make sure to change the water every couple of days so no grossness ensues.

Lemongrass

Whether you use it to protect against mosquito bites or to add that perfect Thai accent to a dish, lemongrass is great to have around. To regrow from scraps, chop off any part of the foliage, place stalks in a couple inches of water and leave in a sunny spot. Like the onions, you should replace the water every couple of days and you’ll have new leaves in a week.

regrow3
A Life Enchanted

Leeks

Noticing a theme here? Keep going. In a small bowl, cover the base of your leftover leeks with water. Place it somewhere it can get some sun, and within a week you’ll have some usable potato-soup ingredients happening right in your kitchen. (And because you’re a pro by this point, remember to change the water.)

Garlic Sprouts

You know how sometimes your garlic starts sprouting? Well, those weird green buds are actually edible if you let them grow enough. So if you see one of your cloves sprouting, put it in a jar, and fill with just enough water to touch the bottom of the garlic. Once the sprouts grow about two to three inches, you can cut and use just like you would green onion. Who knew?


regrow5
Nosh On It

Fennel

You know the drill: Put the unused bulb in a bowl. Cover it with water. Give it some sun, and in a few days you’ll have some sprouts. Boom. Fennel for days.

regrow6
Don't Waste the Crumbs

Lettuce

Take the heart (the part of your Romaine lettuce you didn’t eat) and place it in a container with a half inch of water. Give it some rays, and in a few days you’ll have new leaves. Could this mean the end of the grocery store forever?


screen shot 2020 05 14 at 6 31 35 pm

Freelance Editor

From 2015-2020 Lindsay Champion held the role of Food and Wellness Director. She continues to write for PureWow as a Freelance Editor.