Bananas, folks, are a pretty nifty fruit. Affordable, sweet and inside their own packaging, these fruits are a staple in many healthy diets. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B, Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, fiber and even protein, according to Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-bananas#section1).
While you may already know about all of the benefits of bananas, I bet you didn’t know that a lot of nutrients are packed into the one part you don’t eat: the dense peel. This peel also has a lot of bioactive compounds crucial to your health, such as carotenoids and polyphenols, according to a study in the Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology journal (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21369778/).
Of course, I get why we’re not eating peels despite the benefits. The peel is thick, fibrous and bitter. Unlike pears and apples, you just can’t eat it raw. However, when you subject the peel to heat, its tough texture loosens up, making it easier to chew and digest. This is where banana tea comes in; the process allows you to use both the peel and flesh.
The tea itself is easy to make, although you’re going to want to make sure you are using certificated organic bananas for it. Conventional bananas are heavily sprayed with pesticides, and those will be in the peel and could make their way into your tea. Always make sure you wash the banana completely before making the tea.
To make banana tea, slice the ends off of one cleaned and organic banana. Add it to six cups of boiling water and let the banana steep for about 10 minutes. Remove it from the heat, strain, and enjoy. For a little added flavor, you can add some cinnamon or honey.
You can also make banana peel tea powder. Freeze fresh banana peels until they become hard. Then, put the peels into a pan and allow them to thaw for one or two hours, until they become black. Bake those peels for about 30 to 45 minutes at 149 degrees F. Once baked and cooled, grind them and add the powder to boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for a bit, then strain and add cinnamon or honey to taste.
Of course, even if you find the tea delicious, it’s important to not drink large amounts. This can lead to an overdoes of potassium, which is a serious condition.
