Apple peels are part of the fruit that normally wastes. However, despite containing vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, they add flavor and texture to apples; they also serve the ultimate purpose of maximizing nutrient benefits in your meal.
In this article, we are going to talk about the goodness of apple peel, unique ways of using it, and a few mouthwatering recipes that usually ignore part of an apple. Check out the nutritional value of apples.
Should You Eat Apple Peel or Not?
Eating apple peel has always been a controversial debate. While many people just love the crunch and taste that the skin gives to the fruit, apple peels are full of nutrients; they are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
However, some may peel apples for personal taste or to avoid pesticide residues. If you choose to eat the peel, it’s essential to wash apples thoroughly to remove any chemicals or dirt. In general, eating the peel can be beneficial and adds extra nutrition to your diet.
Check out the health benefits of apples.
Uses of Apple Peel
Apple peels are not just scraps to discard; they can be used in various creative and nutritious ways.
Culinary Ingredient
Apple peels can be used in cooking or baking. They may be incorporated into apple pies, crisps, or compotes.
The peel must sometimes be grated into a recipe to increase the flavor without using more sugar.
Smoothies
Use apple peels in a smoothie to increase its fiber and nutrients. It combines well with other fruits and vegetables.
Check out more ways to eat apples.
Sauces and Purees
While preparing applesauce, keep the peels during the cooking process because they tend to be rich in flavors as well as nutrient-rich. Post-cooking, it would be easy to mix these peels with the meat to give a smooth end product.
How to Use Leftover Apple Peel
Do not throw those apple peels away. Instead, here are some great things you can do with your apple peels:
- Infused water: Add apple peels to water along with any other fruits and herbs in it for a refreshing infusion. This makes for quite a delicious and healthy drink.
- Apple peel chips: Bake the apple peels in the oven with sprinkles of cinnamon and some sugar for a crunchy snack. Just toss them over some oil and your chosen spices, then bake over low heat until crispy.
- Natural Fertilizer: If you are a good gardener, the peel of apples can help enhance the nutrient density in your soil. The peelings decompose pretty well to give nutrition to plants.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Prepare apple skins and cores and create a homemade apple cider vinegar. All that you will need to do is soak the skins in a jar with a bit of water and sugar. When it is fermented, then you will be good to go.
Check out Types of Apples.
How Easy Is It to Digest Apple Skin?
Most of the people can digest the apple peel easily. Diet fibers present in the skin of apples would be beneficial for digestion and good health, but people with sensitive stomachs or some gastrointestinal disorders might not digest fibrous food properly. You might peel your apples or consume them in modest amounts if you have any discomfort after eating the apple skin.
Check out the side effects of apples.
Amazing Benefits of Apple Peel
Apple peels are nutrient-dense and rich in numerous health benefits:
- High in Antioxidants: The apple peels contain a good amount of antioxidants, like quercetin, which fight the free radicals in the body. This can decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Maintains Cholesterol Level: It helps in maintaining a healthy heart as the fibers found in apple peels reduce cholesterol levels. According to the literature, high-fiber diets are reported to potentially lower the cases of cardiovascular diseases.
- Supports Weight Loss: Intake of apple peels increases fullness and reduces overall calorie intake, thus assisting in weight loss.
- Regulates Blood Sugar: The antioxidants and fiber in the apple peels ensure that the body’s blood sugar is well managed. Thus, it can be used as an alternative for people with diabetes.
Check out apple seeds.
Apple Peel Tea
Apple peel tea is a simple, yummy drink that utilizes leftover apple peels. It is full of antioxidants and nutrients, thus healthy and delicious. Boil fresh apple peels in water and add a little honey or cinnamon for warmth and sweetness. This tea might be taken hot or even cold. It is beautifully comforting and a great source of having your apple nutrient in the sweet, soothing, fragrant form making it the perfect sustainable option when you choose to use tea.
Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
- 2-3 apple peels
- 2 cups of water
- Optional: honey or cinnamon for flavor
Instructions
- Wash the apple peels well to remove all the residues.
- Boil the water in a small saucepan.
- Once the water reaches the boiling point, add your apple peels and leave to steep for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the peels and pour the tea into a cup. It tastes great with honey or a cinnamon sprinkle if you like your flavors strong.
Take a sip of warm, healthy, and nourishing apple peel tea to help you feel warm from within.
If you want something refreshing, check out apple juice.
Conclusion
These apple peels are generally taken for granted but contain an endless treasure of nutrients and the possibilities of culinary inventions.
You can consume them as a source of nutrition while using leftover peels is a way to avoid food waste and get innovative in the kitchen. From crunchy apple peel chips to comforting tea, there’s still much you can enjoy out of this nutritious fruit component. Embrace the goodness of apple peels and explore many ways they can contribute to making both your health and your meals the best.
