Bananas are an incredibly good potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients source. Their peelable skin protects the flesh without requiring storage containers, and they compost easily.
But can you eat banana peels? The answer is yes. The banana peel is edible and contains potassium, dietary fiber, polyunsaturated fats, and essential amino acids.
But raw banana peels can affect your digestive system. Because naturally grown bananas may contain pesticides. Also, it has a bitter taste and a tough texture. Also, it has a bitter taste and a tough surface.
Then how to eat banana peels? Take a closer look at this article for some delicious banana peel recipes with some health benefits.
Can You Eat Banana Peels?
Yes, banana peels are edible. It provides fiber, magnesium, and folate, 9% of your Daily Value (DV). Furthermore, the fruit’s natural casing makes it the perfect on-the-go snack or pre-workout fuel. The peels are also quite nutritious. But, It is usually thrown away because banana peels are hard and bitter.
What Are the Benefits of Banana Peel?
You may not expect banana peel to have any health benefits, but it’s packed with nutrients that can improve your overall health.
Antioxidant-Rich Banana Peels
There are phenolics in the peel that have potential health benefits. the Journal of Functional Foods identified 40 different compounds in banana peels.
An important benefit of the phenolics found in the peel is their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants defend your body against “free radicals,” contributing to conditions like cancer and heart disease.
It Contains Fiber
You can get a lot of health benefits from banana peels. Approximately 71 to 83% of them are fiber-rich. You can improve your digestive health by eating fiber. Consuming fiber can promote gastrointestinal health and prevent constipation. Also, it stabilizes blood sugar levels. It is important to avoid adding too much fiber to your diet at once, as it may cause abdominal cramps.
Source of Potassium
The banana is also a good source of potassium, polyunsaturated fat, and essential amino acids. According to a study, banana peel compounds have anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Banana Peels Pack in Phytosterols
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a phytosterol is a compound found only in plants that compete with cholesterol in your body for absorption. You can lower your cholesterol levels if your body absorbs less cholesterol.
Food Quality and Safety published a study in December 2018 that found banana peels contain phytosterols, including stigmasterol, campesterol, 24-methylene cycloartenol, cycloeucalenol, and cycloartenol.
Eating It Can Reduce Food Waste
Last but not least, eating or reusing banana peels reduces food waste. Approximately one-third of the banana is wasted when it is consumed. Aside from missing out on antioxidants, fiber, and phytosterols, we’re also adding to the garbage problem.
It is estimated that 40 percent of all food we produce ends up in landfills – 1,250 calories per person. Food that rots produces methane, which contributes to global warming.
How to Eat a Banana Peel?
Raw banana peels can taste bitter on their own and in raw form. To make them tastier, here are some tips and tricks.
Rinse it well
Rinse the peel well, just as you would any fruit or vegetable. Any dirt or residue will be removed this way.
Give It Time To Ripen
As the peel ripens, so does the “flesh” of the fruit. You can let the banana peel ripen until brown spots appear if you add it to a smoothie or baked dessert.
Make A Smoothie With It
A part of the peel can be blended into a smoothie if you have a high-powered blender. Initially, start with half or a quarter of the peel.
Boil Or Cook The Peel
You can bake, boil, or cook the peel to soften it. When cooking a stir-fry or making bread, you can do this beforehand.
Is There Any Risk of Eating Raw Banana Peel?
Yes. It is not safe to eat raw banana peels. There are a few downsides to eating raw banana peels, even though they are safe and nutritious.
Banana peels are extremely fibrous, and most people find them unpleasant to eat raw. They contain a lot of fiber, which can cause stomach upset if you add too much fiber too quickly. Banana peels also contain oxalic acid, a naturally-occurring compound that can contribute to kidney stones.
It is also recommended to rinse peels before eating, just like fruits and vegetables. This can help remove pesticides applied to the banana in the grove when growing. Cooking, baking, and blending banana peels into smoothies, muffins, and curries are all delicious ways to use them. This makes them easier to digest and can provide additional benefits such as dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Recipes For Banana Peel
There are some delicious banana peel recipes. It will help you eat your banana peels in a more tasty way.
Smoothie of Banana Peel
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas peels, cut off the ends
- 3 cups sugar-free almond milk or milk
- Cinnamon, 2 teaspoons
- 1 scoop of plant-based protein powder
- To taste ice
How To Make It:
To blend all ingredients, place them in a blender and blend until smooth.
Brew Banana Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana peel, cut off the ends
- 1 cup boiling water
How To Make It:
STEP 1
Cover the banana skin with water in a pot. Once the water reaches a boil, let the bananas soften for about 10 minutes.
STEP 2
Serve the strained water with honey and your favorite milk or substitute milk.
Banana Peel Chutney
Ingredients:
- 5 banana peels
- 1 banana’s meat
- Mustard seeds, half teaspoons
- Vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon
- To taste, red pepper flakes
- Garlic cloves (4)
- Chop one small onion
- Jalapeno, 1 small
- Turmeric, 1 tablespoon
- Curry powder, 1 teaspoon
- To taste, salt
How To Make It
STEP 1
For 15 minutes, boil the peels. Chop them into small pieces after draining.
STEP 2
Heat oil and sauté mustard seeds until they pop.
STEP 3
Add the red pepper flakes, garlic, and onion, and saute until golden brown. Three more minutes should be added after adding the jalapeno and banana peels.
STEP 4
With turmeric, curry powder, banana meat, and salt, cook for about 5 minutes.
STEP 5
Blend the mixture until mostly combined. It should have a slightly lumpy consistency.
Banana Peel Bacon
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe banana peel
- soy sauce,
- maple syrup,
- smoked paprika,
- garlic powder
- Cooking oil
How To Make It
STEP 1
Remove the banana peels and tear them into four strips per banana. Scrape off the white part of the banana peel using a spoon.
STEP 2
Marinade the banana peels in soy sauce; maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
STEP 3
Toss in the banana peels and coat well. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, but as long as several hours.
STEP 4
Over medium heat, heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan. Add the peels and fry until golden and bubbly when the oil is hot. Drain on paper towels after removing from the pan. As they cool, they should become crispier.
FAQ
What Does A Banana Peel Taste Like?
Banana Peels taste bitter and astringent. The bitter taste comes from its high concentration of tannins. But, the taste and texture of ripe banana peels is sweet and soft.
Should I Wash The Banana Peel Before Eating?
Yes. You need to wash the banana peel before eating. Because banana peels contain pesticides, the pesticide will be removed by giving a good scrub.
Can You Eat Banana Peel Dogs?
No. Banana peels contain a high fiber concentration, making them hard to digest for dogs. Your dog may vomit and have an intestinal blockage if it eats banana peels.
Why Do You Boil Banana Peels?
Boiling banana peels ensures they are safe to eat. Raw banana peels contain a lot of fiber, which can upset your stomach. Raw banana peels can also cause kidney stones. So, it would be best if you boiled banana peels before eating.
Final Thoughts
There are many unique ways to enjoy banana peels as part of a balanced diet. Besides preventing food waste, they can provide fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. But raw banana peels can increase your health risk. It affects your digestive system. So make sure banana peels are boiling before you eat. Stir-fries, smoothies, and sandwiches can also benefit from banana peels’ nutritional value. I hope you find the article “Can You Eat Banana Peels? (The Surprising Truth)” helpful.
