5 Ways to Recycle Fruit and Vegetable Peels

We all know that a healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. However, it is also common practice to throw away their peels. If you don’t want to miss out on the nutrients they offer, check out this guide on how you can recycle fruit and vegetable peels.

1. Cook up those peels for nutritious snacks

Potatoes are extremely versatile. You can even use their peels for some crunchy and savory chips.

Soak them in water for at least 20 mins and take them out to dry.
You can then add your desired seasonings such as garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or even chili pepper if you want to spice things up.
From here on out, you can choose to either drizzle them in some oil and bake them in the oven or fry them up in oil. Now you can enjoy guilt-free snacks.

Carrot peels can also be healthy munchies.

Just dip them in a mixture made from flour, eggs, and your favorite spices.
Deep fry is the best way to go but make sure you’re using healthy alternatives such as olive oil.

2. Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Olive Oil

Apple cider vinegar is nothing new for cooks who know their way around the kitchen but did you ever consider making your own instead of buying from the grocery store? Make use of those apple peels you were about to throw away.

Wash them thoroughly.
Fill up a jar with peels and even apple cores.
Add water and sugar. Stir well.
Ensure that the peels are completely submerged to prevent mold.
Cover with a coffee filter. Seal tightly with the outer ring of the lid.
Let it sit at room temperature for a week. Don’t forget to stir once a day.
When you see bubbles on the surface, strain the solution.
Compost the peels.
Let the mixture sit until it reaches your desired acidity.
Cover with a lid or a closed bottle to stop fermentation.
Store it in the refrigerator to last you a year.

Ever heard of lemon olive oil? Now you can make your own.

Use a peeler to peel the lemons but make sure to avoid the white pith unless you want your oil to turn out bitter.
Pre-heat a medium-sized pot with olive oil and toss in the peels.
Let it simmer on very low heat for 15-20 mins.
Strain out the peels.
Transfer the oil to capped battle or another resealable container.
If stored in a refrigerator, this can easily last you a few weeks. Make sure to dispose of it when you see signs of spoilage.

3. Apple Tea or Apple Smoothie for Refreshments

Whether you need something to warm you up or to quench your thirst on a hot day, apple peels can help you with that.

If you prefer apple tea:

Toss apple peels in a boiling pot of water.
Add cinnamon and sugar to taste.
Let it simmer for about 10 mins.
Strain out the peels.
Enjoy a piping cup of apple tea.

When you need some refreshing drink:

Toss in your washed apple peels in a blender.
Add some strawberries, bananas, and a whole apple for added flavor and fiber.
You can opt to add almond milk to sweeten.
Blend and enjoy!

4. Skincare Needs

The next time you take a well-deserved soak in the bath, don’t forget your fruit peels.

Toss in your orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit peels in the bathwater.
The hot water draws out the natural essence which creates an aromatic and spa-like treatment to help you feel relaxed.
If you need to stock up on peels, store your collected peels in an airtight container in cold storage.

You’ve seen plenty of skincare products infused with natural ingredients so why not make your own with a simple recipe? If you frequently use your juicer, you’ll have plenty of peels ready to be discarded. Instead of throwing them away, use them to invigorate your skin.

You can turn them into a nutrient-packed facial scrub by adding in sugar, honey, and olive oil.
Apply directly on your skin. Let it rest for at least 10 mins.
Rinse thoroughly and marvel at your refreshed skin.

5. DIY Home Cleaning Products

If you don’t find it appealing to use your peels because they have bad spots, you can still use them for your waste reduction efforts.

Simply toss your fruit peels in the garbage disposal.
Lemon is a favorite choice to throw in your disposer at monthly intervals.

Living a green lifestyle doesn’t have to end with your meal plans. A healthy diet goes a long way but why not take it one step further to stop food waste. Repurpose your once useless fruit and vegetable peels. You can find all sorts of uses for them in your home. From healthy snacks to skincare regimens, and even natural cleaning products, perishable food solutions are endless.