The Secret Superfood Hiding In Your Bin

Choose ripe bananas – The riper the banana, the sweeter the peel will be. Always wash it well, especially if it’s not organic, to remove any traces of pesticides.

Blend it into smoothies – Wash and freeze the peels, then add them to your smoothies for extra creaminess and fibre. Pair with seasonal fruit or a date to balance any slight bitterness from less-ripe peels.

Make banana peel tea – Cut the peel into chunks, boil for 5–10 minutes and sip in the evening. The tryptophan and magnesium in the peel can help you relax and sleep better.

Turn it into vegan “bacon” – Slice the peel into thin strips, marinate with soy sauce, lemon juice and ginger, then fry or bake until crispy. Enjoy with scrambled eggs or eat as crunchy “chips.”

Add to soups and stews – Boil peel chunks with sweet potatoes, pumpkin, red lentils or chickpeas, along with vegetable stock and spices like ginger and cumin. Blend into a creamy, nutrient-packed soup.

Make a nutritious broth – Simmer peels in salted water, then use the mineral-rich broth as a base for soups, risottos or grains.

Create plant-based “pulled pork” – Shred the peel, sauté with olive or coconut oil, onions, herbs and spices, and use as a filling for sandwiches, tacos or wraps.

Bake with it – Blend banana peel into the batter for banana bread, cakes, cookies, muffins and pancakes for an easy fibre boost.

Eating your banana peel is good for the planet too

According to a study published in Process Safety and Environmental Protection, we throw away about 3.5 tons of banana peels every year. That waste ends up in landfills, where it produces methane and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

By reusing banana peels in your kitchen — instead of tossing them — you help cut down on food waste and reduce your carbon footprint.