As you start peeling those juicy apples, it’s easy to toss those peels aside without a second thought. But hold up – before you chuck ’em, let’s talk about the magic they hold. From infused waters that’ll make you feel like a hydration guru, to crispy snacks that’ll have you munching guilt-free, apple skins are a kitchen superstar just waiting to be discovered.
But for me, it’s not just about the practicality of reducing waste (although that’s definitely a bonus). It’s about embracing a mindset of creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen. It’s about finding joy in every step of the cooking process, even – and especially – when it involves the so-called “scraps.”
Let’s dive into some of my favorite recipes and ideas for what to do with leftover apple peels!
28 Uses for Apple Peels
Do you know the simplest and perhaps most overlooked uses of apple peel? Just eat them! Yup, snacking on apple peels can be a delicious and nutritious option in itself. But that’s just the beginning of how to use apple peels. From crispy snacks to soothing teas, peels offer a ton of possibilities that often go untapped. Whether you’re looking to add flavor to your recipes or reduce food waste, here are 35 creative ways to transform apple peels!
- Apple Peel Chips:
Transform those peels into dried apple peels. Create this crispy, addictive snack by baking or air-frying them until they’re perfectly crunchy.
- Apple-Infused Water:
Enhance your hydration by infusing water with peels for a refreshing and subtly fruity twist.
- Apple Peel Te
Simmer peels with water and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves to create a comforting and aromatic tea.
- Apple Peel Powder:
Dry peels until crisp, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or food processor. This powder adds flavor and nutrients to a variety of dishes and recipes.
- Apple Peel Syrup:
Boil peels with maple syrup or water and sugar to craft a sweet and flavorful syrup, ideal for drizzling over your morning pancakes or waffles.
- Apple Peel Jelly:
Whip up a batch of homemade apple jelly from peelings, sugar, and lemon juice for a delightful spread.
- Apple Peel Marmalade:
Cook peels with orange zest and sugar to make a citrusy marmalade.
- Apple Pectin:
Make homemade pectin by simmering apple cores and peels, perfect for thickening jams, jellies, and preserves.
- Apple Peel Sorbet:
Blend peels with sugar and lemon juice, then freeze the mixture to create a refreshing and fruity sorbet.
- Apple Peel Ice Cream:
Blend peels with cream and sugar, then churn into a creamy and delicious ice cream with a hint of apple flavor.
- Apple Peel Sals
Add a twist to classic salsa by chopping apple peels and mixing them with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Apple Peel Chutney:
Cook peels with onions, vinegar, and spices to create a sweet and tangy condiment that pairs beautifully with meats and cheeses.
- Apple Breakfast and Baked Goods:
Boost your breakfast and baked goods by incorporating peels or apple peel powder into oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or various baked treats for added flavor and fiber.
- Apple Peel Bread:
Add chopped apple peels into bread dough for a hearty and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for toast or sandwiches.
- Apple Peel Muffins:
Mix chopped peels into muffin batter for a nutritious and delicious snack.
- Apple Peel Crisps:
Mix chopped apple peels with oats, sugar, and spices to create a crunchy topping for desserts like crisps and cobblers or sprinkle over your morning bowl of overnight oats.
- Apple Peel Granola
Toast apple peels with oats, nuts, and honey to create a crunchy granola.
- Apple Peel Smoothie:
Blend apple peels with yogurt, spinach, and other fruits to whip up a refreshing and nutrient-packed smoothie.
- Apple Peel Soup:
Simmer peels with broth, onions, and spices to create a comforting soup.
- Apple Peel BBQ Sauce:
Cook apple peels with ketchup, vinegar, and spices to concoct a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar:
Ferment peels with sugar and water to produce homemade apple cider vinegar, perfect for culinary and household uses.
- Apple Peel Aromatherapy:
Utilize apple peels in potpourri or aromatherapy treatments to fragrance your home.
- Apple Peel Salad Topper:
Sprinkle chopped apple peels over salads to add a hint of sweetness and texture.
- Apple Extract:
Create homemade apple extract from apple peels to elevate the flavor of your baked goods.
- Apple-Infused Booze:
Infuse liquor with peels to add a delicious apple flavor to cocktails or for sipping.
- Apple Pet Treats:
Treat your furry friends by feeding them peels as a healthy snack, while avoiding apple seeds and cores.
- Cookware Stain Remover:
Boil apple peels in water and simmer in stained cookware to remove stains and restore shine.
- Compost:
Enrich your compost by adding apple peels, providing essential nutrients for your plants and garden.
FAQ About What You Can Do With Apple Peels
Let’s tackle some questions about what to do with apple peelings:
Are apple peels safe to eat?
Absolutely! Packed with nutrients like fiber and antioxidants, they’re a healthy addition to your diet. Just be sure to give them a good wash before chowing down to remove any unwanted residues.
Can I use any apple peels?
Indeed you can! Whether it’s Granny Smith or Fuji, any apple variety will do. Opting for organic ones reduces the risk of pesticides, but all peels are game changers when it comes to nutrition.
How do you store apple peels?
Keep ’em fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about a week. Alternatively, freeze them for later use in your favorite recipes.
What to do with cooked apple peels?
No worries—cooked apple peels are still useful! While they might offer a slightly different flavor, they’re still perfect for recipes like sauces, jams, or even as a natural thickener.
Can you compost apple peels?
Absolutely! Toss those peels in the compost bin, where they’ll break down beautifully, enriching your soil with essential nutrients for your garden’s health.
Do apple peels have health benefits?
You bet! Loaded with fiber for gut health and antioxidants to fight off diseases like heart disease and cancer, peels are a nutritional powerhouse you won’t want to miss.
Is apple peel good for your face?
For sure! Peels make fantastic ingredients for DIY face masks and scrubs, leaving your skin feeling fresh and fabulous. Get creative and enjoy the natural goodness!
How can you tell if an apple has gone bad?
If they’ve turned brown or slimy, it’s time to bid them farewell. Stick to fresh, firm peels for anything you’re going to eat to ensure the best flavor and quality.
Can apples be used for cleaning?
Absolutely! Boil those peels, strain the liquid, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a natural cleaning solution that works wonders around the house, leaving everything sparkling clean.
How do you recycle apple skin?
While peels can’t go into the actual recycling bin, you can still repurpose them using the 28 creative ways listed above.
What nutrition is in an apple peel?
Apple peels are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re nature’s multivitamin, offering a powerhouse of health benefits in that vibrant skin.
Why do people not eat apple peel?
Some people might avoid eating apple peel due to concerns about texture, pesticides, or waxy coatings. However, rest assured that peels are safe to eat and provide numerous health advantages.
Does apple peel have toxins?
While apple peels may contain trace amounts of pesticides or waxy residues, proper washing or peeling can minimize exposure to these substances. Enjoy the nutritional benefits of apple peel worry-free!
Is apple peel tea good for you?
Absolutely! Apple peel tea is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can support digestive health, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being. It’s like a comforting hug for your insides!
Is it better to skin an apple or peel an apple?
Whether you prefer to leave the skin on or peel it off is a matter of personal preference. However, considering the abundance of nutrients in apple peel, embracing it might just be the way to go!
Is apple peel good for your hair?
While applying apple peel directly to your hair may not work miracles, incorporating it into your diet provides your body with essential vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to healthy hair from the inside out!