Zero-Waste Mushroom Broth

Zero-Waste Mushroom Broth

  • Serves 2

  • 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 - 3 cups of stems, trimming, or soft mushrooms (Lion's Mane, Oyster, Shiitake, etc.)
  • 1 - 2 cups of vegetable scraps (onion skins, garlic ends, carrot tops, celery leaves, etc.)
  • 1 - 2 sprigs of thyme, rosemary, or parsley (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
  • 8 cups of filtered water

Why You’ll Love This Zero-Waste Mushroom Broth

Reduce food waste and infuse deep umami flavor into your meals with this homemade mushroom broth. It’s packed with nutrients, earth-friendly, and entirely customizable based on what you have on hand—especially great for making the most of mushroom stems and veggie peels.

This broth is a kitchen essential that supports your health and the planet—exactly what Earth Month calls for.

Step One

Gather Your Scraps: Store mushroom stems and veggie scraps in a freezer-safe bag until you have enough to make a batch. This is a great way to reduce waste over time.

Step Two

Simmer the Broth: In a large stockpot, add all ingredients and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 1–1.5 hours.

Step Three

Strain & Store: Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Compost the leftover solids.

Step Four

Cool & Use: Let the broth cool, then store in glass jars or silicone freezer cubes. Keeps up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen.

Why This Recipe Works

🌍 Zero-Waste Cooking: This recipe reduces food waste by repurposing often-discarded scraps.
 💪 Mushroom Nutrition: Extracts the benefits of adaptogenic fungi—like Lion’s Mane for focus or Oyster mushrooms for immune support.
 🌱 Versatile Base: Use in risottos, soups, ramen, grains, or sip on its own as a mineral-rich tonic.

Sustainable Tips & Variations

  • Don’t toss those mushroom stems! Store them in your freezer after cleaning and use when ready.
  • Want extra umami? Add a dash of soy sauce or a piece of dried kombu while simmering.
  • For more depth, lightly sauté the scraps in olive oil before adding water.