Gravy is a staple of the holiday season. But what do you do with the leftovers? This blog post has you covered if you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to dispose of your leftover gravy.
Composting is an excellent option. All it takes is a compost bin or pile of soil or mulch and your gravy scraps will quickly break down into nutrient-rich soil.
Animals can also benefit from leftover gravy – just make sure it isn’t too salty or fatty before giving it to them. If you welcome food donations, consider donating your extra gravy to local homeless shelters or soup kitchens.
Finally, if all else fails, freeze your gravy and save it for another meal later on. Freezing preserves the flavor so you can enjoy the same delicious taste again at a later date.
Disposing of leftover gravy properly helps keep landfills free from unnecessary waste – so next time you have some extra gravy handy, remember these tips for disposing of it in an eco-friendly way.
What Not to Do: Pouring Gravy Down the Sink or Toilet
Contents
- 1 What Not to Do: Pouring Gravy Down the Sink or Toilet
- 2 Composting: An Environmentally Friendly Option
- 3 Freezing: Store for Later Use
- 4 Soaking Up Excess Gravy with Paper Towels or Newspaper
- 5 Separating Fat from Liquid in Meat-Based Gravies
- 6 Disposing of the Fat Separately
- 7 Benefits of Properly Disposing of Leftover Gravy
- 8 Conclusion
When it comes to disposing of leftover gravy, many people are tempted to pour it down the sink or toilet.
However, this is not a good idea and can lead to serious plumbing problems and costly repairs. Instead, the best way to get rid of gravy is simply by throwing it out in the trash.
If you don’t want to waste your delicious gravy, you can also save it in a container in the fridge or freezer for later use. Composting is another great option for getting rid of leftover gravy.
You can mix the gravy with other food scraps and organic materials such as leaves and grass clippings, and then add them all to your compost pile. Not only will this help minimize garbage, but it will also provide essential nutrients for your garden.
Composting: An Environmentally Friendly Option
Composting is a great way to give your leftover gravy a second life in an environmentally friendly manner.
Not only does it help reduce food waste, but it also creates nutrient-rich soil for your plants to thrive. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to do.
Simply mix the gravy with other organic materials, such as leaves or grass clippings, and let it decompose in a compost pile. To avoid any unpleasant odors or pests, be sure to use a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4.
Once the compost has fully decomposed and matured, you can use it in your vegetable garden or flower beds to encourage healthy plant growth. Composting is an excellent way to improve our environment while still getting some use out of your leftover gravy.
It’s fast, convenient and good for the planet – so don’t let that delicious sauce go down the drain.
Freezing: Store for Later Use
Freezing is the perfect way to preserve its quality and flavor for later use, saving you time when you need a quick and easy meal.
To start, allow your gravy to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top of the container for expansion during freezing, and label the container with the date and contents.
Store in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen gravy, simply transfer it to the fridge overnight or thaw more quickly by placing the container in a bowl of cold water or gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Whisking vigorously before reheating can help avoid any grainy texture or separation that may arise after defrosting.
Soaking Up Excess Gravy with Paper Towels or Newspaper
There’s an easy and eco-friendly way to get rid of it.
The best way to remove extra fat and grease from the gravy is to soak up the excess with paper towels or newspaper. The process is simple: just lay a few paper towels or newspaper sheets on top of the gravy, and let it absorb the liquid.
Once done, you can quickly discard the paper towels or newspaper sheets along with the absorbed gravy. To ensure all of the excess grease is removed, make sure you use enough paper towels or newspaper sheets.
This can be repeated a few times until your gravy is no longer greasy. When using paper towels or newspaper sheets, it’s important to make sure they are free of ink or chemicals that could contaminate your gravy.
Opt for plain white paper towels, newspapers with black and white print, or even plain brown paper bags. Avoid using colored ink or glossy paper in newspapers as these can transfer chemicals into your precious gravy.
Soaking up excess gravy with paper towels or newspaper is an effective way to dispose of leftover gravy without causing any damage to your pipes or the environment. It’s also a great way to ensure that there are no clogs in your pipes and that the delicious leftovers are properly disposed of.
Separating Fat from Liquid in Meat-Based Gravies
No one enjoys the aftermath of a delicious meal, especially when it comes to disposing of leftover gravy.
However, separating fat from liquid in meat-based gravies is a crucial step that can save you time and effort while being eco-friendly. The easiest way to do this is by allowing the gravy to cool in the refrigerator.
The fat will rise to the top and solidify, making it easy to scrape off with a spoon or knife. If you’re short on time, you can also use a fat separator which will drain the fat-free liquid from the bottom while leaving the fat on top.
If neither of these options are available, try skimming off the fat with a spoon. This requires patience and care as you don’t want to remove too much of the gravy along with it.
It may seem daunting at first but fear not – by following these simple guidelines, you can rest assured that your pipes won’t get clogged up and your environment won’t be affected by excess waste.
Disposing of the Fat Separately
When it comes to leftover gravy, disposing of it properly is essential for keeping your plumbing system and the environment safe.
The first step is to separate the fat from the solution by allowing the gravy to cool until the fat rises to the top. This can then be scooped off with a spoon or spatula and placed in an airtight container for storage in either the refrigerator or freezer, or disposal in the trash.
Once this is complete, you can safely dispose of the remaining liquid down your sink. However, be sure not to pour large quantities at once as this will lead to blockages over time.
Instead, try smaller amounts and flush with hot water afterwards. If you have meat-based gravies like KFC gravy, consider using them as a flavoring for dishes such as pasta or mashed potatoes rather than discarding them completely.
This way you can enjoy all the delectable flavor without having to worry about clogged pipes.
Benefits of Properly Disposing of Leftover Gravy
Properly disposing of leftover gravy is not only important for your own health and safety, but also for the environment.
There are several benefits to properly disposing of leftover gravy, such as preventing clogged pipes, reducing environmental impact, avoiding health risks, and saving money. Here are some simple tips to help you properly dispose of your leftover gravy.
Start by scraping off the fat layer from the gravy before discarding it. Cool the gravy in the fridge until the fat rises to the top and then scoop off any excess fat and throw it away separately.
For any remaining liquid, store it in an airtight container and pour it down your sink in small amounts. If you have a compost pile, you can also add the gravy to it along with other organic materials such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps.
Alternatively, try repurposing meat-based gravies as a flavoring for soups or stews by freezing them in an airtight container for later use.
Conclusion
Gravy is a beloved holiday staple, so what do you do with the leftovers?
Fear not, there are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of your gravy. Composting is an economical way to turn gravy scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
You can also donate extra gravy to local homeless shelters or soup kitchens, or freeze it for later use. Avoid pouring it down the sink or toilet at all costs, as this could cause serious plumbing issues.
Soak up excess fat and grease with paper towels or newspaper sheets before discarding it separately. If you’re dealing with a meat-based gravy, let the fat cool in the fridge first.