No matter how organized our kitchens are, we all buy fresh ingredients with the best intentions—only to have life get busy and watch them fade into the back of the fridge. Maybe the spinach didn’t make it into that salad you planned or those berries softened much sooner than you’d hoped, all of it still has plenty of flavor to offer. Instead of tossing them, you can still bring these foods (and others) back to life. Here are some easy ways to make the most of foods that are just past their peak. 

Wilted Greens
A little droop doesn’t change their flavor. These greens are perfect for warm dishes.

• Add to soups, stews, or blend into smoothies.
• Stir into scrambled eggs or pasta near the end of cooking.

Try this tip with: Lucky Mashed Potatoes  

Vegetable Odds & Ends
Trimmed pieces can still bring lots of flavor to recipes.

• Onion skins, carrot peels, and celery tops make a savory homemade vegetable broth.
• Herbs like parsley and cilantro can be added to soups or frozen in ice cube trays with a bit of oil to add a flavor boost later. 

Try this tip with: Tuscan Spinach and White Bean Soup 

Overripe Bananas
Think beyond bread. Once bananas are soft and extra sweet, they’re ready for mixing and mashing.

• Mash and freeze in ice cube trays for smoothies.
• Stir into pancake batter or oatmeal for natural sweetness. 

Try this tip with: Berry Smoothie

Apples with Soft Spots
A little bruising goes unnoticed when cooked.

• Simmer with cinnamon into a compote. 
• Make “chips” by slicing thinly and baking at a low temperature until crisp. 

Try this tip with: Golden Apple Oatmeal

Berries That Have Softened
Soft, slightly wilted berries shine when cooked or blended.

• Make a quick fruit sauce for yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes. 
• Freeze and blend into smoothies, no one will know they weren’t firm. 

Try this tip with: Whole-Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes with Fruit Sauce

 Older Bread and Grains
Day-old staples can be some of the most useful ingredients in your kitchen.

• Turn bread ends into breadcrumbs or cube and toast to make croutons. 
• Slice corn tortillas into strips and bake for chips or crunchy soup toppers. 
• Use cold day-old rice to make fried rice. 

Try this tip with: Cheesy Baked Zucchini Fries

Leftover Pickle Brine
Save this tangy liquid to punch up the flavor of everyday dishes.

• Use in marinades or salad dressings in place of vinegar. 
• Add a splash to tuna or chicken salad. 

Try this tip with: Tastes Like Summer Salad