Bananas are some of the sweetest and things when ripe. We normally peel off the skin and use the inner core while disposing of the skin in a bin somewhere. But these tips will show you what great treasures you are wasting and how to get the most out them.
Bananas provide a variety of vitamins and nutrients to include:
Vitamin B6 – 0.5 mg
Manganese – 0.3 mg
Vitamin C – 9 mg
Potassium – 450 mg
Dietary Fiber – 3g
Protein – 1 g
Magnesium – 34 mg
Folate – 25.0 mcg
Riboflavin – 0.1 mg
Niacin – 0.8 mg
Vitamin A – 81 IU
Iron – 0.3 mg
The skin of the banana contains Potassium which improves the health and toughness of the plant. This, in turn, builds better resistance to pests and diseases. The potassium in the banana skin also helps fruits to develop and regulate enzymes in them.
Here are some ways to use banana peel to get the goodness out of that golden fruit.
Feed Your Seedlings
When planting seeds outdoors give them a direct push of nutrients by planting a few pieces of banana peels along with them.
Dig a trench two inches deep and at least long enough to accommodate the banana peel strip. Lay banana peel strips flat with the inside facing up and put the seeds on top.
Cover with light, rich, well-drained soil, and water, care for your seeds as usual. As they germinate, create roots and begin growing they will greatly benefit from the rich fertilizer created by the decomposing banana peels.
Improve the texture or fertility of your soil
Add pieces of banana to your soil, bury it at least 4 inches below the surface and do not let the root of the plant touch the peel. Plant your plants above it and it will leak nutrients into the soil as it decays. The root of that plant will grab that nutrient and utilize it will.
Dry your banana peels and grind them up to make a fertilizer
You may use a coffee grinder or spice grinder to refine your dried banana peel. Add this directly to the dirt or sprinkle it as a topping on the surface of the garden soil. Ensure that you avoid it touching the root of any plant.
Make a compost tea for your plants
Place some banana peels chopped or whole into a jar of water, leave it open and let it drain all that good nutrients into the water for two days. Some people use it even after one day or even a few hours, depending on how small you chose to cut the banana peel. The smaller it is cut the quicker and more nutrients will get into the water and the stronger the tea will be.
Make banana peel vinegar
Place some banana peel into a mason jar, fill it up with water, place a lid on it but fit it loosely so air can be incorporated into the mix. You may also use a piece of cloth to fit over it and hold it in place with a rubber band. Let the mixture sit for one week. Remove the peels and cover the liquid-tightly for 4 to 6 weeks. Test it by smelling to get that unique vinegar smell.
