How Can You Use Banana Peels In Your Cooking ? From Bread To Pasta, Here’s How

Every time you peel a banana and throw away the skin, you are discarding a nutritious snack. Banana peels are often overlooked, but recent research shows they can be a delicious and health-boosting ingredient in your kitchen.

How Can You Use Banana Peels In Your Cooking?

A recent study found that if banana peels are blanched, dried, and ground into flour, they can be used to create baked goods that rival traditional wheat-based products in taste and texture. If you haven’t thought about cooking with banana skin, now is the perfect time to reconsider!

In taste tests, participants reported that cookies made with banana peel flour were just as enjoyable as classic sugar cookies. The secret? Banana skins are rich in minerals and contain nutrients that may help fight cancer. Cookies made with banana peel flour boast higher levels of fibre, magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a healthier choice.

While too much banana peel flour can lead to cookies that are darker and denser due to their high fibre content, the right amount—around 7.5% banana peel flour—creates a delicious balance of texture and flavour. Plus, these banana-infused cookies can last for up to three months at room temperature, making them a convenient snack option.

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Breads, Cakes And Pasta!

Although the study concentrated mainly on sugar cookies, the findings suggest numerous possibilities. Just think about the advantages of incorporating banana peel flour into breads, cakes, and even pasta! Another study on banana peel cake revealed that the peels not only add natural colour but also enhance the nutritional profile of baked goods. Additionally, a fascinating study from 2016 discovered that substituting up to 10% of wheat flour with banana flour could increase the protein, carbohydrate, and fat content of baked bread. This makes it a more balanced option for those looking to improve their diet.

Consuming banana skins is not just a healthy option; it also contributes to reducing food waste. About 40% of a banana’s weight is made up of its peel, yet most of this nutrient-rich skin is discarded. Although raw banana peels may not look appetising, they can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious part of your meals when prepared properly. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of banana skin can potentially extend the shelf life of certain foods, adding another layer of benefit.

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The benefits of using fruit skins aren’t limited to bananas. For instance, mango skins have also been shown to enhance the antioxidant properties and flavour of cakes. So, the next time you enjoy a piece of fruit, think twice before discarding the skin!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)