Don't throw away your banana peels!

Bananas

We eat a lot of bananas here in the Seychelles. Bananas grow so well here therefore eat em! We believe that nature provides what you need based on where you are. Bananas are so good for curing emaciation, supporting your muscles and tissue, taking care of your heart health and lowering blood pressure thanks to high levels of potassium, good for your gastrointestinal health by aiding with digestion, the health of your skin can improve because of the high levels of manganese, and the list goes on.

Banana Peels

Maybe you usually put them in the bin or hopefully a compost bin. Well it turns that the peels contain all the same benefits that the bananas do and then some! The peels have more soluble and insoluble fibre than the banana fruit. Consuming more soluble and insoluble fibre lowers cholesterol therefore taking care of that heart of yours. An increase in soluble and insoluble fibre also help with weight management, making you feel fuller for longer. It also has high levels of potassium which helps your metabolism work like it should thus burning more calories. Banana peels offer powerful anticarcinogenic compounds and antimutagenic properties which can help lower your risk of developing cancer. They’re also very rich in antioxidants that help battle cancer. Banana peels are a mood booster. The peels contain tryptophan, which helps to increase levels of the common feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Lastly, the peels are very useful to help cure insomnia and sleep troubles. Banana peels have melatonin and serotonin, and these neurotransmitters help you to snooze better after a cup of banana peel tea at night. Bonus, it's better for the environment if you use your banana peels instead of just throwing them in the trash and adding to landfill waste.

How to Use Banana Peels To Make Tea:

1. Use ripe organic banana peel as they are sweeter and richer in all the good stuff mentioned above.

2. Gently rinse the peel under running water to remove any dirt and debris.

3. Fill a pot with 2–3 cups of water and bring it to a boil.

4. Add the banana peel to the boiling water.

5.Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 15–20 minutes.

6.Add cinnamon or honey (optional).

7.Remove the banana peels and divide the remaining liquid into 2–3 cups.

Now what to do with the steeped peels?

Once you've steeped your tea and have remaining peels you can bury chopped banana peels to deter pests from your plants.

How?

1.Chop the peels into pieces that are about 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) in size.

2Then, bury them 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the soil.

Green aphids, which also attract ants, are repelled by the peels, so they'll leave your garden alone.

Don't bury whole banana peels since rodents will come and dig them up.

Also:

If you have remaining banana leaf tea that you did not consume then use the extra boiled peels as fertiliser for your plants. At 42% potassium they are an excellent

fertiliser.

If you don't fancy tasty banana peel tea but you still want the benefits then you can always try boiling peels for 10 minutes and eating them as is (I imagine they'd still be bit tough to eat and slimy). Alternatively you can bake them for 10 minutes and make a vegan alternative to bacon :)

Recipe for Vegan Bacon:

Ingredients:

• 2 very ripe organic banana peels

• 3 tablespoon soy sauce (or organic tamari ~ though cannot find that here in Seychelles!)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon cold pressed olive oil or alternative

Method:

• Remove peels from the bananas and tear into about four strips per banana.

• Use a spoon to lightly scrape off the white inside part of the banana peel leaving just the peel.

• Make the marinade by mixing the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, and garlic powder together in a dish that will fit your banana peels. Add the banana peels and toss to coat.

• Let marinade for a minimum of 10 minutes minimum.

• When ready to cook the bacon, heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. When hot add the peels and fry a couple of minutes per side, until they are golden.

• Remove from pan and drain on paper towel. They should get crispier as they cool