But first – it is no question how much I love food. One thing I don’t often talk about is the waste that comes with it. It’s not just about what we are throwing out, but how much energy and resources it also takes to produce food, how we are getting rid of it, and what happens to food after we throw it out that we need to be mindful of. And would you have guessed that bananas are one of the worst foods of the bunch? Bananas are one of the biggest sources when it comes to grocery store waste – with lettuce, grapes, bread, and tomatoes also making the list.
Compost The Banana Peel
This seems like an easy one, right? But did you know that it takes bananas longer than a lot of other foods that you would normally put in your compost to decompose? Speed up the composting process by cutting your peels into smaller pieces rather than tossing them in whole. Banana peels are very high in nutrients, but not just for us – they are great for your soil and gardens too. Tomatoes and indoor plants will especially love them!
Household Uses
Who would have guessed that you could put a banana peel to everyday use? Banana peels have strong antioxidant properties that have so many health benefits! Try using the inside of the banana peel for any of these household uses:
Pressing the peel on sunburn skin Use on a rash or bug bite to provide itch relief Brighten and moisturize your skin Dust your indoor plant leaves Shine your leather shoes Polish your silverware Place on a splinter to help raise it
Freeze Away
Freezing the bananas you know you won’t be able to eat in time is great for later use, but what people don’t think about before freezing their bananas is chopping them beforehand. I like to slice the bananas and put them on a baking sheet. From there, put them in the fridge for 30 minutes before putting them in the freezer so they don’t freeze together. What should you do with your frozen bananas? There are so many ways to use bananas, but I cooked up a deliciously healthy and simple recipe that will be your go-to for that perfect banana flavour.
Banana Bread Granola
It’s so easy! Made in one bowl and it is fragrant! Whip it up and enjoy as a snack, have it for breakfast, or add it on top of your favorite smoothie bowl! Using some of my favorite ingredients like walnuts and coconut oil, mixed with the deliciousness of Chiquita bananas, you don’t need much besides a non-stick sheet to make this quick and tasty recipe.
Other delicious recipes to try with your bananas
So when you are looking to whip something up to make sure your bananas don’t go to waste, look for Chiquita’s blue sticker for recipes like my Easy Vegan Banoffee Pie.
Plant-Based Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Banana Coffee Loaf Vegan Caramel Banana Walnut Loaf Classic but Healthy Banana Bread
Looking for other ways to reduce your food waste?
Shop smart and realistically Save and actually eat your leftovers Try composting if you aren’t already Avoid clutter! Keep track of what’s in your fridge, pantry and freezer Store food in the right places
