Reducing Food Waste: Delicious Peach Crumble Recipe with Sustainable Practices

In this peach crumble recipe, I am not only creating a delicious dessert using whole-food ingredients but also actively combating food waste. By incorporating overripe peaches that my kids weren't eating, I give them a new purpose and prevent unnecessary waste. Additionally, I choose to leave the nutrient-rich skins on the peaches, reducing further waste while enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish. To ensure the fruit is free from pesticide residues, I share my veggie soak recipe, which utilizes a mixture of baking soda and water to effectively remove surface contaminants. Furthermore, I complete the cycle by composting the pits and excess peach trimmings, allowing them to break down and enrich the soil in my garden. These conscious choices not only result in a delightful dessert but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach in the kitchen, highlighting the importance of minimizing food waste at every opportunity. Enjoy this delightful peach crumble and join the movement towards reducing waste, one dessert at a time!

Ingredients:

Wet:

• 2.5 lbs. of overripe peaches with skins, chopped

• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

  Dry:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

• 1/2 cup almond flour or any flour, gluten-free or not

• 1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds, optional)

  For veggie soak:

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• 2 cups of filtered water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Weigh out your peaches.

3. Add baking soda and water to a mixing bowl, stir to combine. Add in your peaches to soak.

4. In a second mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, vanilla extract, coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts, if using. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes crumbly. Set aside.

5. Take out your peaches, dry them off and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

6. Compost peach pits and scraps.

7. In a third mixing bowl, combine the peaches and maple syrup. Toss gently until the peaches are coated.

8. Transfer the peach mixture to a parchment paper lined baking dish.

9. Add the oat mixture evenly over the peaches.

10. Sprinkle with a little more cinnamon.

11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the peaches are soft and bubbly, and the crumble topping is golden brown.

12. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

13. Serve the peach crumble warm or at room temperature with your favorite beverage.

This recipe uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugars, and incorporates wholesome ingredients like oats, almond flour, maple syrup, cinnamon, coconut oil, and nuts. It's a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional peach crumble recipes while still providing a satisfying and flavorful dessert.

Note on the veggie soak: The baking soda acts as a natural cleaning agent and can help remove dirt, wax, and some pesticide residues from the surface of the fruit. It also helps neutralize any acidic residue. I have a second recipe you can try: here.