Don’t toss that banana peel just yet! According to a study published in ACS Food Science & Technology, banana peels can actually be turned into a tasty, nutritious flour that can be used in baked goods.
While it may sound strange, the study found that blanched, dried, and ground banana peels can create baked goods that rival traditional wheat-based products in taste. Plus, they come with added health benefits.
Not only do the cookies enriched with banana peels contain more fiber, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidant compounds, but they also have a longer shelf life. The study even suggests that banana peel flour could be used in breads, cakes, and pasta for an added nutritional boost and unique flavor.
And if baking isn’t your thing, there are other creative uses for banana peels, such as in curry dishes or even as a meat substitute for bacon and ‘pulled pork’ recipes.
But the benefits of banana peels don’t stop with taste and nutrition. The study also suggests that using banana peels and other fruit peels can help reduce food waste and extend the shelf life of products due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
So, next time you reach for a banana, consider holding onto the peel. Your taste buds and your health might just thank you for it.
From: ACS Food Science & Technology
This article was originally published in August 2022.
