11 Things to Do with a Banana Peel Instead of Throwing It Away

Here’s a list of creative ways to use banana peels rather than tossing them away, including practical and culinary uses:

1. Make Banana Peel Tea

• Instructions: Boil a clean banana peel in water for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy as a calming tea rich in magnesium and potassium.
• Tip: Add a little honey or cinnamon for extra flavor.

2. Fertilizer for Plants

• Instructions: Cut banana peels into small pieces and bury them around the base of your plants. They’ll decompose and release nutrients like potassium and phosphorus, which are great for plant growth.

3. Banana Peel Smoothie

• Ingredients:
  • 1 banana peel (organic, washed)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup frozen berries
  • 1 tablespoon honey
• Instructions: Blend the peel with the other ingredients to create a nutrient-dense smoothie. Banana peels are high in fiber and antioxidants.

4. Natural Skin Care

• Instructions: Rub the inside of a banana peel on your skin to help reduce wrinkles, acne, or irritation. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse off.

5. Banana Peel Compost Booster

• Instructions: Add banana peels to your compost pile. They break down quickly and help enrich the compost with essential nutrients.

6. Banana Peel Vegan Pulled ‘Pork’

• Ingredients:
  • 2 banana peels (washed and scraped)
  • 1/2 onion (sliced)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • BBQ sauce
• Instructions: Shred the banana peels, sauté with onions and garlic, and simmer in BBQ sauce. Use it as a meat substitute in tacos or sandwiches.

7. Banana Peel Shoe Polish

• Instructions: Rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes, then buff with a soft cloth. The oils in the peel will give a nice shine.

8. Silver Polish

• Instructions: Blend banana peels with a little water to make a paste, then rub it on tarnished silver items. Rinse and polish for a natural shine.

9. Tenderize Meat

• Instructions: Add a ripe banana peel to your roasting pan when cooking meats like chicken or beef. The peel will help keep the meat moist and tender.

10. Insect Bite Relief

• Instructions: Rub the inside of a banana peel on mosquito bites or skin irritation. The natural oils in the peel may reduce itching and inflammation.

11. Craft a DIY Air Freshener

• Instructions: Dry banana peels in the oven at a low temperature until crispy. Grind them into a powder and place them in a small cloth bag. The subtle banana scent will freshen your space.

These uses make the most out of banana peels, reducing waste and offering benefits for your home, skin, plants, and even cooking!