We typically compost or throw away banana peels and don’t consider them edible. In fact, they can do more things for us. This article will tell you 4 ways banana peels can improve your home and health
1. Home remedies
If you have itchy bug bites or a rash, such as poison ivy, these fruit skins provide soothing relief. Rub the peel directly on the area to reduce the itchiness and help your skin heal.
Shoe shining is another thing banana peels are good at. Rub the outer layer of peels on leather items of all kinds, including shoes and furniture, to polish the leather. Blend a peel with water to make silver polish.
2. Cook with banana peels
Get creative and start experimenting with cooking banana peels. They can be made into vinegar, pickled in brine, broiled with cinnamon and sugar to become a unique dessert or even turned into a spicy curry.
Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can actually eat your banana peels, since these are full of antioxidants and nutrients, which will only do you good. Boil the skins for about 10 minutes in water and run it through the juicer or blend it up with other fruits and enjoy!
3. Keep the bugs away
Place the peels in a container and put a lid with small holes in it. The sweet smell of the banana will attract and trap fruit flies and other little insects. You can throw the peel away after a day or two and freshen the trap as needed.
4. Banana peels as fertilizer and compost
If you’re a home gardener, banana peels are a valuable resource, as they can work as a great slow-release fertilizer. Just wrap the banana skins around the base of your tomato plants and these will be nourished with beneficial nutrients such as phosphorus throughout the season.
Banana peels are a great addition to the compost pile or bin because they are so rich in nutrients and break down very quickly in a compost environment. These peels are great for animal feed as well. If you keep chickens, rabbits or any type of livestock, grind up dried banana peels and add them to your feed.
