He banana is a delicious and very nutritious fruit, which is also very convenient, since you can take it anywhere to peel it and eat it whenever you feel like it. But be careful, until now you were probably throwing the skin in the first organic waste container you came across. Don’t do it.

The next time you make a smoothie or bake banana bread, stop before peeling it: save yourself a step in the preparation and introduce more nutrients into your diet. Yes, banana peel can be eaten and has beneficial properties.

The banana peel, peel or peel, especially if it is green, is hard and bitter, so it generally ends up in the trash. To make it pleasant you have to prepare it the right way.

Properties and benefits of banana peel

banana skin It is 70-83% digestive fiber. This amount of fiber produces a feeling of satiety, which prevents the consumption of excess calories, and promotes health through its effect on intestinal transit and the state of the microbiota.

• Prevents constipation.
• Stabilizes blood sugar (glucose) levels.
• Reduces bad LDL cholesterol.
• Improves the condition of the intestinal mucosa, which reduces inflammation and regulates immunity.

Banana peel also contains potassium, polyphenols, carotenes and other phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to the study published in the journal Applied biochemistry and biotechnology, The antioxidant content reduces as the banana ripens.

By the way, if you are going to use the banana peel, when eating the pulp do not throw away the white threads, which are also They are loaded with beneficial nutrients.

3 recipes with banana peel

All banana peels can be eaten, but keep in mind that those of the mature pieces are finer and sweeter.

The first thing to do is wash the skin well, as is done with any fruit that is not peeled. This is especially important if the banana is not organic because a large amount of pesticides are used in conventional crops. For this reason, and because the nutritional quality of the banana is greater, it is always advisable to choose organic products.

Banana peel can be used as an ingredient in fruit and vegetable smoothies and even main dishes. Let’s look at some simple preparations.

Banana bread

In this recipe you don’t even need to peel the banana. Cut off the thick stem and opposite tough end, discard, and then continue slicing the banana. Put the slices in the blender or food processor and continue with the usual banana bread recipe.

If the banana is not very ripe, you can peel it and cook the skin for 20 minutes before putting it in the blender.

Smoothie with banana peel

Cut the banana into slices as in the previous recipe. You can add two or three slices as is to the blender. along with other fruits, juices and vegetables to prepare your breakfast smoothie. You can also freeze a few slices to have them ready every morning.

Vegan Banana Skin Bacon

Grilled banana skin acquires a texture similar to bacon. You just have to Marinate the skins for half an hour in a mixture of water, soy sauce, sweet paprika and crushed garlic. Then put them in the pan or grill with a little olive oil for 10 minutes or more. You can eat it as is or use it to prepare a bolognese sauce, for example.

Kiwi and orange peels are also eaten

By the way, the kiwi peel and the white peel of the orange can also be eaten. Well, actually, Orange peel can also be used: Cut it into thin strips, let it dry and grind it. This powder can be used to flavor all types of recipes. Fresh zest is also used in desserts.

The next time you are going to throw away a banana peel, remember that represents 35% of the weight of the fruit, that you have paid for it, that you can reduce food waste and become a zero waste champion.

If we haven’t convinced you to eat the banana peel, don’t throw it away just yet: you can crush it and mix it with the soil to fertilize the plants.