Banana peels are often treated as food waste and overlooked, yet they offer many practical everyday uses, according to Martha Stewart.
Banana peels can become a versatile ingredient in cooking, household cleaning, skincare routines, and more, as outlined below:
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1) Cooking and Food Preparation
Banana peels can be incorporated easily—and deliciously—into many dishes. When possible, choose organic bananas and clean the peels thoroughly before use. Wash them with a little baking soda or a splash of vinegar, then gently scrub with a clean brush under warm running water. This removes the waxy coating and any surface residue.
2) Stir-Fries and Curries
Banana peels can be sliced thinly and sautéed until tender in saucy dishes such as stir-fries or coconut curries. Recipe expert Marissa Stevens notes that banana peels “hold their texture well and absorb surrounding flavors, especially ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or curry paste.” Mixing them with vegetables helps create balance and variety in the dish.
3) Smoothies or Banana Bread
Small amounts of banana peel can be blended into smoothies or banana bread to add fiber without significantly affecting taste or texture. Like the fruit itself, browner peels tend to be sweeter and softer, making them easier to blend.
4) Keeping Meat Moist
To keep chicken moist in a slow cooker, add one or two yellow (not overly ripe) banana peels just before cooking. The peels act as a moisture barrier, helping retain juiciness. According to Stevens, they “don’t add a banana flavor, but rather a subtle hint of sweetness.”
5) Skincare Applications
For skincare routines, the inner part of the peel can be cut into small pieces and applied directly to the skin. As with any new skincare product, it’s advisable to perform a patch test on a small area first.
6) Soothing the Skin
Antioxidants in banana peels may help calm stressed skin. Experts explain that banana peels are rich in carotene, which provides beneficial nutrients for the skin. Simply place a piece of peel directly on the skin and leave it for 5–10 minutes before gently rinsing with cool water.
7) Deodorizing Trash Cans
Banana peels can help neutralize odors. Cleaning expert Scott Schrader suggests placing small cubes of peel at the bottom of a trash bin, underneath the liner. “They absorb odors and leave a fresher scent,” he says. Replace them each time the trash is taken out.
8) Polishing Silver or Stainless Steel
For shiny silver without harsh chemicals, try banana peel. Schrader explains that the potassium and natural oils in the peel create a protective layer that enhances shine. Blend peels with water into a paste, apply it to tarnished silver or stainless steel with a soft cloth, then wipe clean.
9) Removing Scuff Marks
Banana peels offer a simple solution for scuffed shoes or wooden floors. Rub the inside of the peel over the scuffed area, then buff with a soft cloth. Schrader notes that the natural waxes in the peel help reduce marks and add a light shine.
10) Natural Plant Fertilizer
Banana peels can be added to outdoor compost or used as a simple natural fertilizer for houseplants. Soak peels in water for a few days, then use the infused water to nourish plants.
Schrader says, “The potassium and phosphorus benefits will support your houseplants without the need for synthetic additives.”
