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6 Creative Uses for Leftover Herb Stems

When a recipe calls for a few fresh basil leaves, a bit or parsley or oregano, what do you do with the stems that get left behind?

If you've been throwing them away – STOP!

Use them whole

For big stems like rosemary, try adding them whole to sauces and soups, then removing them whole before serving.

what to do with leftover herb stems basil rosemary waste produce ideas paleo diet

Make a veggie broth

Keep a bag in the freezer and add stems as you use them. When the bag is full, it's time to make veggie stock!

Use them as herbs

In the conventional way – chop them up really finely and add them to your recipe

Use them as kebab skewers

This one takes a bit more preparation, but it you have big herb plants like rosemary, save the long stems. Wash them thoroughly, then freeze them. Use them frozen in the place of a wooden or metal skewer to have deliciously rosemary infused meat and veggies on your next barbecue!

Make herb infused olive oil

Simply add the stems in an airtight container with some olive oil and leave for a few days. Next time you use the oil, it will have a delicious herb-infused flavour.

Stuff with them

When you stuff a bird or fish, use the leftover herb stems. Remove before serving and the herbs will have infused into the meat/ fish perfectly.

Dry and Powder for Seasoning

If you’ve got a dehydrator or even just a sunny windowsill, you can dry leftover herb stems instead of binning them. Once dry, blitz them into a fine powder using a food processor or spice grinder. This DIY seasoning can be sprinkled onto meats, vegetables, or even blended into Paleo-friendly sauces and dressings. It's a great way to preserve flavour and reduce waste at the same time.

Use in Herbal Teas and Infusions

Many herb stems, like mint, lemon balm, thyme or basil, can be steeped in hot water to create light, refreshing teas. If you're feeling adventurous, try combining different herb stems to make your own custom blends. This is especially good if you're winding down in the evening and want a caffeine-free, natural drink. Just make sure to rinse the stems thoroughly beforehand.

Blend into Pestos and Sauces

While traditional pesto uses only the leaves, the stems of herbs like parsley and coriander are packed with just as much flavour. Try blending stems in with your usual pesto ingredients – you may even find the texture improves. The key is to blend well so they’re completely broken down, leaving no stringy bits behind.

Natural Food Wraps and Steamers

Large herb stems like lemongrass, bay, or rosemary can be used as a base for steaming fish or vegetables, acting as a rack to prevent sticking while also adding a subtle aroma. Similarly, soft, flexible stems from parsley or coriander can be used to tie up food bundles when steaming in parchment or foil, adding both function and flavour.

Add to Ferments

If you're into fermenting your own vegetables (think sauerkraut, kimchi or carrots), herb stems can be added to the jar to bring subtle extra flavour to your ferments. Dill stems work brilliantly with pickles, while thyme and oregano stems add a depth of flavour to brined vegetables. They also look visually interesting through the glass!

Repurpose into Natural Cleaners

This might sound odd, but some herb stems like mint, thyme, and rosemary have natural antibacterial properties. Steep the stems in white vinegar for a couple of weeks and strain. You’ll be left with a wonderfully fragrant, chemical-free household cleaner that’s perfect for wiping down kitchen benches.

Use in Ice Cubes for Cooking and Drinks

Add finely chopped herb stems into ice cube trays with water or olive oil and freeze. You can then toss them straight into a hot pan to begin a recipe, or drop into sparkling water for a subtly flavoured herbal drink. This method locks in the freshness and makes your next cooking session even easier.

Compost or Feed Your Plants

If none of the above ideas appeal, herb stems still have one final use: compost. Adding them to your compost pile or worm farm will contribute to rich, nutritious soil. If you’re growing herbs yourself, it’s a nice way to complete the cycle and keep your garden flourishing.

Why It Matters

Reducing food waste is one of the most powerful, practical steps you can take to live a more sustainable life. From a Paleo perspective, it also fits beautifully with the philosophy of making the most of natural resources, respecting food, and using whole ingredients in creative ways. Every time you repurpose an ingredient that would otherwise be discarded, you’re supporting not only your health, but also the environment.

What About Stems That Are Tough or Woody?

Not all stems are created equal. The tougher, woodier stems of herbs like rosemary and thyme are best suited to infusions, stocks, or as roasting aromatics. Trying to eat them raw or even finely chopped can leave a fibrous texture that’s not pleasant in most dishes. The trick is to match the use to the stem’s texture and intensity — if it’s soft, blend it. If it’s hard, infuse it.

A Note on Storage

If you’re not ready to use your stems straight away, don’t toss them. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in a sealed container in the fridge for a few days. Alternatively, freeze them in a ziplock bag and pull them out as needed for stocks, teas, or marinades.

Final Thoughts

Herb stems are one of the most underappreciated parts of the plant. While many people instinctively discard them, there’s no reason they can’t be repurposed to enhance flavour, reduce waste, and save money. Whether you’re simmering a broth, blending a sauce, or cleaning your kitchen, there’s always a clever way to use those leftover stems. So next time you’re chopping herbs, pause before you compost — and give those stems a second life.

20+ Unusual Things To Do With Avocado

Avocado is one of the ultimate Paleo super-foods. A great fat source and very versatile, avocado is great in salads and as a breakfast side. But there’s more to the fruit than that! Here is a list of 20 things you didn't know you could do with an avocado.

1. Freeze to use later

Peel and remove the pit and add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to a bowl, per avocado. Mash well together and freeze in an airtight bag (making sure you squeeze all the air out before sealing) for up to a year. A great way to preserve an overflow of avocados.

2. Remove the pit with no mess

Cut the fruit in half and hit a knife into the stone. Simply twist the knife to remove the pit.

20 Unusual Uses for Avocado – Alternative Paleo Ideas

3. Ripen fast

Put the unripe fruit in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. After two or three days the avocado will be ripe.

4. Can’t wait?

If there’s not time to wait for it to fully ripen, cut from the fat end, as this is always the first part to ripen.

5. Drink it

Blend together an avocado, handful of spinach, a pear and some almond milk for a smoothie packed with good fats

6. Treat your hair

Nourish your hair by mixing an avocado, egg yolk and dash of olive oil. Leave this on your dry hair for 30 minutes before rinsing off and shampooing as usual. Your hair will be silky and soft.

7. Spice up your guacamole

Have you tried adding cumin and orange to your favourite guacamole recipe yet?

8. Pickle it

For a different take on avocado, try jarring it. Heat 250ml (1 cup) white vinegar, 250ml (1 cup) water and a tablespoon of salt in a pan until it boils. Cut three firm but ripe avocado into pieces and put in a jar. Pour the boiling liquid in the jar, and once cooled, put the lid on and allow to marinate in the fridge for a couple for days before using (should keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge)

9. Avocado ice cream

Blend an avocado, frozen banana, a few drops of vanilla extract and small tin of coconut milk. Freeze and once frozen, allow to thaw for a few minutes before serving.

10. Roast chicken

Try stuffing a chicken with a peeled avocado before roasting it

11. Make a chocolate pudding with it

Seriously – you have to try chocolate avocado mousse!

12. Save the pit and grow your very own avocado tree

Suspend the pit in a jar of water using toothpicks in the side of the stone, to submerge all but the top of the seed in water. Eventually the stone will break open revealing a root – and then finally a stalk! Then, quite a long time later you’ll have your own avocado tree and all the fruit you could possibly want.

13. Avocado curry?

Have you ever made a chicken curry with avocado as a base?

14. Roast it

Try roasting avocado, by peeling, removing the pit and slicing. Drizzle with oil and season, then bake at 200C (400F) for about 15 minutes. Roast avocado is great with a salad.

15. Eat the pit

Let the pit dry, grate it and add a small amount to a home-made enchilada sauce.

16. Avocado mayonnaise

Instead of adding mayonnaise to your meal, add pureed avocado instead.

17. Skin therapy

Make a face-mask with avocado, an egg white and a squeeze of lemon juice and wear it for 5 to 10 minutes to get the Vitamin A and E benefits directly on your skin.

18. Summertime treat

Make avocado ice lollies (popsicles) by blending avocado, coconut milk and lemon juice and freezing in popsicle moulds.

19. Make your own Avocado oil

If you've got time, patience – and lots of fruit – you can even make your own avocado oil

20. Avocado soup

Make an unusual – but delightful chilled avocado, cucumber and coconut soup. Blend an avocado, pinch of coriander, squeeze of line and small cucumber, then add a small can of coconut milk to the mix. Blend, then serve with some coconut flakes to garnish.

21. Use avocado as a baby’s first food

Avocado is an ideal first food for babies starting solids. It’s naturally soft, easy to mash, and full of healthy fats essential for brain development. For Paleo families raising their kids with ancestral nutrition in mind, mashed avocado is a nutrient-dense alternative to processed baby foods.

22. Create a creamy salad dressing

Instead of traditional dressings that may contain seed oils and additives, try blending half an avocado with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a Paleo-friendly creamy salad dressing. It’s thick, flavourful, and totally dairy-free.

23. Use avocado to thicken soups and sauces

Instead of using cream or flour to thicken soups or sauces, add a ripe avocado towards the end of cooking and blend it through. It adds a velvety texture without altering the flavour too much, and keeps the dish firmly within Paleo guidelines.

24. Bake avocado fries

Cut avocado into wedges, dip them in whisked egg, coat with crushed almond or coconut flour, and bake until crispy. These Paleo-friendly “fries” are a perfect side dish or snack — crunchy on the outside, buttery on the inside.

25. Make a green Paleo hollandaise

Combine avocado, lemon juice, egg yolks, and ghee in a blender to create a green twist on hollandaise sauce. Ideal for eggs or roast veggies, this sauce adds richness and healthy fats to your meals.

26. Make an avocado fat bomb

For those following a low-carb Paleo or keto-Paleo approach, fat bombs made from avocado, coconut oil, cacao powder, and a touch of vanilla can be a great high-fat snack that keeps you satiated.

27. Use avocado in baking

Swap out butter or oils in Paleo muffin or brownie recipes and replace with mashed avocado. It keeps baked goods moist and dense without affecting flavour, while sneaking in extra nutrients.

28. Add avocado to Paleo sushi

Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to your Paleo sushi rolls. Wrap with cauliflower rice and nori sheets, then fill with sliced avocado, cucumber, and salmon for a delicious and grain-free sushi experience.

29. Soothe sunburn with avocado

The nourishing oils and antioxidants in avocado can be used to relieve sunburned skin. Mash and apply directly to the skin for 15 minutes before rinsing off — ideal for sensitive areas after an Aussie summer day.

30. Upgrade your breakfast scramble

Add diced avocado right at the end of your scrambled eggs or omelette. It not only brings a creamy contrast to the texture, but the combination of protein and fat makes for a more satisfying Paleo breakfast.

Avocados: The Paleo All-Rounder

Avocados go far beyond simple slices on toast (which, let’s be honest, isn't very Paleo). They’re one of the most versatile and nutritious additions to a whole-food, ancestral lifestyle. With a bit of creativity, this humble fruit can feature in every meal — from breakfast to dessert — and even in your skincare routine.

If you’ve discovered an out-of-the-box way to use avocado that fits the Paleo lifestyle, I’d love to hear it in the comments!