As the old adage goes, “One person’s trash is another person’s pulled pork.” Or something of that nature. So, sprint to your compost (or trash can, gasp!) and fish out all of those discarded banana peels; they’re worth their weight in braised meat! The yellow sheath guarding the banana’s sweet sustenance is an edible enigma that when shredded, seasoned, and sautéed takes on the appearance and texture of carnitas or pulled pork.
Sitting at the crossroads of sustainable, vegan, and nutritious, the banana peel is the hero we need. But is it wise to eat nature’s fruit wrapper?
Eating banana peels is not some chic form of upcycling; in countries where food is not as plentiful, people have been processing the skin of fruits into forms of sustenance for centuries. Banana peels contain antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help protect the fruit from infections and shelter it from physical damage. A recent study found that the banana peel contains over 40 beneficial compounds, but that the levels of these compounds are influenced by various factors, including variety, maturity, and cultivation conditions. Banana peels can be excellent sources of potassium and contain more soluble and insoluble fiber than fruit itself. Lutein, a dynamic antioxidant that promotes eye health and protection, can also be found in the peel.
But how do you prepare this odd ingredient? The process is less daunting than prepping meat or fish. A general rule of thumb is to use a ripened banana peel because they tend to be thinner, sweeter, and more tender when cooked. Boiling the peel can have a similar effect with the added bonus of eliminating any harmful residues. To prepare the peel, scrape away any remaining flesh, shred into long strips (I suggest using a fork), and dice into one- to two-inch pieces. At this stage you can either briefly toss the peels into boiling water or place them straight in the frying pan. Adding a tangy barbecue sauce or some bold Cajun seasoning will help elevate the fruit’s subtle flavor, and fool you into thinking you’re eating some slow-cooked barbecue…maybe.
And the culinary applications don’t end with carnitas; add banana peels to boiling water for a light banana tea; toss them into a blender for a thick banana smoothie; or dice them up and sauté with onions, peppers, tofu, coconut milk, curry spices, and other aromatics for a hearty banana curry. For any one participating in a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, the banana peel is an affordable and sustainable meat-free alternative. Try experimenting with this often cast-aside ingredient and see go where your creativity takes you!
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