Don’t throw away the banana skin: do this instead

Consuming fruit brings countless benefits to the body. According to the Spanish Heart Foundation, these are high in carbohydrates and provide a variety of vitamins (such as A, C, B1, B2, B6), along with essential minerals and fibers. They also supply a significant amount of water.

What to do with banana peel

There are several fruits whose peels we eat, such as apples and pears. However, for others, like watermelon, kiwi, bananas, oranges, and melon, we typically remove the skin and only consume the flesh. Yet, science is challenging this practice, particularly in the case of bananas, suggesting that their peels shouldn’t be discarded. It should be eaten!

A study published in ACS Food Science & Technology reveals that banana peels are rich in minerals, nutrients, and fiber. Since eating the peel raw may not be very appealing, the study proposes various ways to incorporate it into different recipes.

One suggested method is to add banana peel to homemade bread. By mixing it in a 10% ratio with wheat flour, you can create bread that is richer in proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Another idea is to use it in making cookies or cakes. For these treats, the peel should first be dried and then ground into flour. A delicious twist.

Fruit: the most wasted food in summer

Incorporating banana peels into recipes is also a strategy to reduce food waste, a prevalent issue in a number of countries.

In general, fresh produce, being highly perishable, is most likely to end up in the bin. One way to combat this waste, as suggested by the app Too Good to Go, is to freeze fruit and use it to make smoothies or ice creams during the summer. This approach helps us make the most of our fruit before it spoils in the heat.