Are Banana Peels Edible? [Know the Facts]

Yes, banana peels are edible. Surprising, right? Banana peels are made of 71-83% fiber. The sweet, thin, and bitter taste will certainly give you a mixed feeling. When you eat this and gain those extra nutrients, your health will become a lot better. It will save you from wasting. 

Now, think before throwing away banana peels in the trash. 

How does banana peel taste?

The idea of having banana peel might seem bizarre to you at first. When you eat it, you will get a subtle banana taste. However, it will be slightly bitter. In the case of a fully ripe banana, the texture and taste are soft. It will taste fibrous too. 

How to prepare banana peels to eat?

On most fruits, pesticides are used. Banana peels are no different. Before eating, remove the peels from the stem. Thoroughly wash it. If you still have doubts, soak it in warm water. You need to maintain hygiene while eating.

How to eat banana peels

You can eat banana peels in different ways. It all depends on your creativity and taste buds. Here are a few popular ways of consuming banana peels! Check these out!

1. Baking

You can add banana peels to your banana bread. It will not only elevate the flavor but also increase the nutritional content. You can find banana peel flour packets in stores. You use that in cookies, patties, and chicken sausages. It is widely used in making cake frosting and cake itself. 

This flour is gaining huge popularity because it controls heart disease and diabetes. It increases the fiber and nutritional content of baked food. 

2. Preparing Chutney With Banana Peels

Banana chutney is super easy to make. It is very popular in the Southern State of Kerala. In fact, it is one of the most loved Indian dishes. To make chutney, blend banana peels, garlic, oil, chilies, and other spices according to your taste. The texture will be thick. You can serve this chutney with chips, snacks, bread, and parathas. 

3. Making Chips

Are you a fan of Doritos? Are you a fan of tortilla chips? Are you a fan of chips? If yes, then buckle up! You can use banana peels to make scrumptious handmade chips. It gives a super unique twist of flavor. 

This is so easy to make. First, soak the banana peels overnight. After that, coat the peels in cornstarch. Keep it for an hour. Then shallow fry them. You can make these chips in your food dehydrator too.

You can serve it with sauce, pineapple salsa, or guacamole. If you are a huge banana lover and want double banana flavor, you can eat it with your banana chutney too. 

4. Drink

You can boil banana peel and drink the water as a tea. It will help to ease bloating and work as a natural sleep aid. It contains high concentrations of tryptophan, potassium, and magnesium. You can also make banana peel rum. 

5. Vinegar 

Making vinegar with banana peels is a bit tricky process. It has a sweet and bitter undertone. For making vinegar, you will need two pounds of banana peels, vinegar starters, and two whole months in hand. After 60 days, you will be left with vinegar. It can be used in tea and salad. A sauce can be made in this process too.

6. Substitutes

Banana peels can be used as an alternative to your meats. Vegan tacos or burrito bowls can be made with banana peels. Casca locua is a popular Brazilian dish that is made using banana peels. 

7. Smoothies

For making a smoothie, add 1 cup frozen banana, 1/4 cup frozen banana peels,1 and 1/3 Cups almond milk, 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon, 2 teaspoons honey, 2 tablespoons rolled oats and 

1 tablespoon peanut butter. After that, blend them together!

8. Moist Meat

If you add banana peels to the meat while roasting, it will help to keep the meat tender and juicy. It works because of the moisture and oils from the fruit skin. The banana flavor of the peel will add a new twist with coconut, fish sauce, and turmeric.

9. Dessert

You can use banana peels to make caramel. This can also be used as syrup to eat with pancakes. Banana peels can also be used to make ice cream. Banana peel peanut brittle also tastes delicious. The super easy dessert to make with banana peels is a candied treat. It will only take banana peel, sugar, and water. 

Health benefits of banana peels

Banana peels have life-changing health benefits depending on their ripeness. For example- green banana peels are used to cure digestive issues. Blackened bananas are used to help white blood cells to fight against infections and diseases. Potential health benefits of banana peels are-

1. Better Digestive Health 

Banana peels are fiber-enriched. Thus, it helps to regulate the digestive system. It is important for people with irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn’s disease. Banana peels help to ease diarrhea and constipation. They stabilize sugar levels. 

2. Low Cancer Risk

Banana peels are enriched with polyphenols, carotenoids, and other antioxidants. These antioxidants fight cancer-causing radicals in your body. Eating green or unripe banana peels helps to increase the level of antioxidants. Hence, the risk of cancer is reduced.

3. Better Eyesight 

Banana peels contain Vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to keep the eye healthy. As a result, eyesight improves. 

4. Relief from Depression

Banana peels have tryptophan and B6 in high quantities. It can help to reduce the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. It is because tryptophan turns into serotonin. It helps to improve mood. Vitamin B6 enhances sleep. So, the mood stays positive.

Nutritional value of banana peels

Banana peels contain high levels of Vitamin B12, A, C, and B16. It also contains magnesium, fiber, potassium, and protein. Dried banana peels compose 6–9% protein and 20–30% fiber. 

Green banana peels have much less starch which is about 15% than green plantain peels, whereas ripe banana peels have up to 30% free sugars. Green plantain peels comprise 40% starches that are changed into sugars after ripening.

Side effects of eating banana peels?

Banana peels are highly fibrous. Thus, you may feel a slight discomfort in digestion. Since pesticides are used in bananas, consuming those may lead to health hazards like autism, high blood pressure, cancer, and dementia. That’s why it is necessary to minimize the pesticide exposure.

Verdict

Now you know that banana peels are edible. Don’t keep wasting it. Utilize it. It has high nutritional value which will contribute to your health. Before eating, make sure that the banana peels are clean.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you get the answer “are banana peels edible!