Who said that banana peels were only used to annoy our opponents in Mario Kart? Well, I can confirm that they have many more uses than you might think. The internet is full of anti-waste ideas, each more original than the last, to maximize this fruit that we love so much. So if, like me, your freezer is full of these old bananas for a future banana bread that you will never make, this article will certainly inspire you!
1. Banana Peel Bacon
You had to think of it! This recipe from The Salted Table offers us a super simple version of this idea that has set the web on fire. All you have to do is scrape the inside of the banana peels, marinate them and grill them in the pan. The addition of liquid smoke makes all the difference, so I advise you not to neglect this addition. I am already looking forward to my next brunch with my vegetarian friends to surprise them.
2. Vegan pulled pork with banana peel
Really a great idea that I discovered via the bloggers of Free the Pickle that will certainly impress your guests in addition to reducing food waste. The texture is very similar to that of a classic pulled pork thanks to the stringy side of the banana peel, without the bitterness that one would imagine. Very important to use organic bananas and to adapt the cooking time to its maturity as well.
3. Banana honey
Another ingenious tip from the blog Ma Pâtisserie that requires a little time, but so few ingredients! We always need a little honey in our pantry to enhance our sauces, dressings, desserts, smoothies. So, why not make some with what we already have on hand and save money at the same time? Quality honey (I’m not talking about the bear here!) quickly adds up to a grocery bill. So this is another excellent reason to make it yourself and give bananas a second life.
4. Anti-waste chutney with spices
Beautiful original recipe created by nutritionist Geneviève O’Gleman that can easily be adapted to what is in our fridge. I am already salivating to add it to my cheese platters as an aperitif, on a hummus dip, a curry or in a simple sandwich!
5. Banana peel vinegar
Another oh so simple and brilliant tip! Simply macerate your banana peels in a large jar of vinegar for a week, filter it and that’s it. We now have a 100% natural banana vinegar with which to concoct delicious vinaigrettes for our tropical-flavored summer salads!
6. Relaxing herbal tea
Another good reason not to throw away our banana peels. Simmer your peels for about fifteen minutes in boiling water and add a little honey, cinnamon or ginger and enjoy before going to bed. This drink filled with magnesium and potassium will improve the quality of your sleep and the relaxation of your muscles. The vitamin B6 and tryptophan it contains also help in the production of melatonin and serotonin which will put you in the arms of Morpheus. Psst! You can even add the boiled peels to your smoothie or cakes and thus maximize its usefulness.
7. Tenderize the meat
Meats cooked without skin or bones are known to dry out and fall apart quickly when cooked in sauce. No more dry meats that roll around in your mouth! Simply place a banana peel in your pan while cooking to keep your meat tasty, tender and whole.
8. Maintaining the leather
Whether it’s to restore suppleness and shine to your shoes, armchairs or bags, your banana peels come to your rescue once again! Rub these items with the inside of the peel, let sit for a few minutes and remove the residue with a soft cloth. They will regain their shine and you will really feel like they have had a “new skin”!
9. Treat everyday ailments
Did you know that banana peels have antibacterial and antifungal properties? Indeed, apply them to insect bites to reduce itching. Good news if, like me, mosquitoes devour you whole every summer! It can also be used on minor burns, bruises and small cuts to speed up healing thanks to the vitamins and minerals they contain.
10. Whiten teeth
Another really surprising thing about banana peels is that you can rub your teeth before brushing and it seems that they reduce coffee and tea stains. I have never personally tried it, but let me know!
Did you know that you can actually slip on a banana peel? It is one of the oldest TV jokes, particularly in silent cinema in the 1920s. “This joke originated from the accidents caused by the peels of Panama bananas imported to the United States in the second half of the 19th century and which accumulated in the streets of American cities at a time when cleaning services were not yet in service.” I invite you to watch the Mythbusters video, which did some fairly conclusive tests on the subject.
Definitely, tonight, we will all go to bed a little less bananas!
By Millie Jacques, Customer Service Coordinator at Still Good
Sources
BANANA PEEL, on the WIKIPEDIA website, Consulted on May 11, 2023. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peau_de_banane
