Ever wondered what to do with leftover fruit scraps instead of throwing them away? This Earth Month, let’s turn what might be considered food waste into something delicious, nutritious, and perfect for a springtime picnic—a homemade fruit scrap jam served on an Ahimsa compartment plate as part of a beautiful, sustainable charcuterie board.

Ahimsa’s stainless steel plates are perfect for serving homemade recipes like this, keeping flavors fresh and meals free from harmful chemicals often found in plastic.

Not only does this help reduce food waste, but it also teaches kids about sustainability in a fun and tasty way! Ready to transform peels, cores, and overripe fruit into a delightful jam? Let’s get started.

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Food waste is a major environmental issue, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and unnecessary resource use. In the U.S. alone, 30-40% of the food supply goes to waste each year! By getting creative with kitchen scraps, we can reduce waste, save money, and make something delicious.

This Earth Month, let’s celebrate sustainability by turning fruit scraps into a homemade jam for a waste-free, kid-friendly picnic.

Fun Fact: Making jam from fruit scraps isn’t just good for the planet—it also locks in nutrients and flavors, giving you a delicious, naturally sweet spread with no artificial preservatives.

Many fruit parts that we usually toss are packed with flavor and natural pectin (which helps thicken jam). Here are the best scraps to save:

• Strawberry tops – Full of flavor and natural sweetness
• Apple peels and cores – Great source of natural pectin
• Citrus peels (lemon, orange, lime) – Adds a zesty kick
• Berry pulp – Leftover from juicing? Perfect for jam!
• Overripe fruit – Bananas, peaches, or plums past their prime

Pro Tip: Store scraps in a freezer bag until you have enough to make a batch of jam.

This simple no-waste jam recipe uses natural ingredients and requires no pectin—just a little patience!

• 2 cups fruit scraps (apple peels, strawberry tops, citrus zest, etc.)
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (helps preserve freshness)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup water

1. Prep the fruit scraps: Rinse all fruit scraps to remove any dirt or pesticide residue. If using apple cores, remove the seeds.
2. Simmer the mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fruit scraps, water, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fruit softens.
3. Mash or blend: Use a fork to mash the fruit or an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
4. Sweeten naturally: Add honey or maple syrup to taste. Stir in cinnamon or vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Thicken the jam: Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes until it thickens. If needed, add a teaspoon of chia seeds to help it set.
6. Store & enjoy! Transfer to a glass jar and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Serving Idea: Spread this jam on whole-grain crackers, toast, or Ahimsa stainless steel plates as part of a beautiful charcuterie board!

You can also serve different toppings, fruits, and crackers using Ahimsa’s 5-compartment trays to keep each item fresh, separate, and inviting for little hands at the picnic.

Now that you’ve made your zero-waste jam, let’s build a beautiful charcuterie board for a springtime picnic. Using Ahimsa’s Balanced Bite Plate, you can create a perfectly portioned nutrient-dense snack for the whole family! Each compartment in the plate is great for separating flavors, keeping crisp veggies from mixing with soft fruits, and creating a fun, interactive meal for kids—no waste, no mess.

What to Include on Your Spring Picnic Charcuterie Board:

• Protein: Cheese cubes, nuts, or hummus
• Fruits: Sliced apples, grapes, strawberries
• Veggies: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell peppers
• Whole Grains: Whole wheat crackers, pita chips
• Homemade Jam: Your delicious fruit scrap jam!

And for on-the-go snacking, store extras in Ahimsa’s stainless steel containers. They’re leakproof, freezer-safe, and perfect for packing a sustainable picnic.

Why Ahimsa? Ahimsa’s stainless steel plates are perfect for eco-friendly, non-toxic, and reusablepicnics—no plastic waste, just sustainable dining for the whole family!

Yes! You can turn veggie scraps into a delicious homemade veggie broth.

Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Try adding a teaspoon of chia seeds or let it simmer longer to thicken.

Reducing food waste doesn’t have to be boring or difficult. By turning fruit scraps into jam, you’re teaching your kids sustainability in a fun, delicious way—and what better way to celebrate Earth Month than with an eco-friendly spring picnic?

From food prep to serving to storage, Ahimsa’s non-toxic, reusable dinnerware and containers support your sustainable kitchen goals every step of the way.

From food prep to serving to storage, Ahimsa’s non-toxic, reusable dinnerware and containers support your sustainable kitchen goals every step of the way.

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