Are Banana Peels Edible? To Reduce Food Waste, Culinary Industry Professionals Explore Appealing Benefits and Culinary Potential of Banana Peels!
Food waste and food shortages are two prominent issues impacting our global community. As a result, professionals in the culinary industry are exploring ways to utilize more of the plants and animals already produced for consumption to not only cut waste, but discover new sources of nutrients to feed and nourish the world. One often discarded product that is increasing in appeal is- you guessed it- banana peels! In this article, we’ll explore the culinary benefits and potential risks of banana peels.
GO BANANAS!
Bananas are the second largest produced fruit in the world— second only to citrus – contributing to 16% of total fruit production worldwide [4]. And why wouldn’t they? Bananas are an incredible source of essential vitamins and minerals and contain numerous health benefits.
Recently, however, bananas have sparked a bit of controversy in the culinary world- not for their pulp, but for their peels. While banana peels have long been utilized in compost, chefs and home cooks the world over have begun experimenting with recipes featuring banana peels in efforts to reduce food waste and provide food source alternatives. As these recipes grow in popularity, the debate around banana peels and their nutritional content has also grown. Here, we’ll dive into the slippery discussion surrounding the various perspectives on whether or not banana peels are a viable food source.
Are Banana Peels Edible?
First things first- are banana peels even edible? The truth is, outside of some case studies of various cultures that have long consumed banana peels, such as India, there is very little scientific research regarding the potential risks and rewards of consuming banana peels. That being said, there have been some scientifically sound studies which we’ve distilled here, indicating that in general, banana peels pose no health risk.
According to American Medical Journal, banana peels show no indication of toxicity [5]. Another study by MedWell Journal of Food Technology yielded similar results. This 2008 study examined the nutrient and anti-nutrient content of banana peels. The anti-nutrient content indicated generally low values, suggesting that banana peels posed no noteworthy health risk [1]. The only potential toxin in banana peels would be any pesticides used by growers. However, according to the USDA, banana peels are generally tainted with very few pesticides, especially in comparison to other commercially grown produce. A simple solution would be to wash them thoroughly as you would any produce [3].
While the research is slim, no source named banana peels as poisonous or otherwise dangerous to consume. But – do banana peels contain any prominent health benefits?
Here is a video on how Davin Waite from The Wrench and Rodent restaurant makes his banana peel tacos.
Are they Nutritious?
Blogs the internet over will claim countless benefits of banana peels. Dig a bit deeper and you’ll find that these sources are rooted in nothing but case studies and opinions. Should you do a search for any legitimate science, you’ll find yourself coming up short. While most research appears unanimous in ruling out banana peels as posing any serious health risk, it’s far less conclusive in naming any overwhelming nutritional value in banana peels. With that in mind, we’ll look at some of the most promising research regarding the nutrient content of banana peels.
The Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research posited that banana peel is “a rich source of starch, crude protein, crude fat… and polyunsaturated fatty acids,” and are generally “rich in nutrients and minerals.” [4]. A study by The Centre for Biotechnology at the University of Allahabad revealed that banana peels contain sizeable levels of phenolic compounds, antioxidants, and anticarcinogens [7]. The same study published by MedWell Online, suggested that banana peels are a potential source for protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber as well as minerals like iron, potassium, and calcium [1]. Researchers in China discovered signs of a positive effect on the hypoglycemic index, suggesting that banana peels hold potential benefits for individuals experiencing fluctuations in blood sugar levels [2]. Several studies, including research by the Pakistani Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that banana peel extract had anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects as well as positive impacts on memory in laboratory mice [6].
In general, the limited scientific research seems to indicate positive nutritional potential in banana peels. One remaining question, however, is whether the presence of these nutrients in banana peels could even be absorbed by our digestive system. Currently, the research isn’t fully conclusive.
Conclusion
Little research exists about the nutritional potential of banana peels. That which does exist indicates two main takeaways. First, at the very least, banana peels are NOT toxic, though they may contain pesticides, so it is recommended to wash them thoroughly prior to consumption. Second, while the amounts may be small, banana peels contain carbohydrates, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and serotonin which can potentially effect mood. In short- there’s really no downside, but there is potential for nutritional value. So, if you can handle the taste and texture, go ahead and eat up those peels.
If not to be eaten, banana peels are incredibly useful in compost. They are also an incredible source of natural pectin, meaning they may be useful in creating jams and preserves. Perhaps the greatest argument for discovering more uses for banana peels besides tripping up opponents in Mario Kart is that they are so abundant, and if they even have a spark of potential as a food source, that alone makes them worth exploring.
Sources
Anwhange, B.A. “Chemical Composition of Musa Sapientum (Banana) Peels.” MedWell Online. Journal of Food Tehcnology. Vol. 6. ISSN: 1684-8462. 2008. http://docsdrive.com/pdfs/medwelljournals/jftech/2008/263-266.pdf
De-Feng, Shen. “Study on the Hypoglycemic Effect of Banana Skin Polysaccharide.” Heilongjiang Medicine and Pharmacy. Vol. 4. 2012. http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTotal-KXJY201204011.htm
Lunder, Sonya. “Banana Cultivation Is Pesticide-Intensive.” EWG.ORG. The Environmental Working Group. 28 April, 2014. https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2014/04/bananas#.WXdYpNPyuu1
Mohapatra, Mohapatra. “Banana and Its By-Product Utilization: An Overview.” Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research. Mishra, Sabyasachi, and Sutar, Namrata. Vol. 69. May 2010. Pp 323-329. http://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/8581/1/JSIR%2069%285%29%20323-329.pdf
Pei Tee, Tan. “Antidepressan-Like Activity of Banana Peel Extract in Mice.” American Medical Journal 2. Hassan, Halijah. ISSN 1949-0070. 2011. Pp 59-64. https://thescipub.com/pdf/10.3844/amjsp.2011.59.64
Samad, N. “Banana Fruit Pulp and Peel Involved in Antianxiety and Antidepressant Effects While Invigorating Memory Performance In Male Mice: Possible Role of Potential Antioxidants.” Pakistani Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Vol. 3. 30 May, 2017. Pp. 989-995. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28655697
Subdaram, S. “Antioxidant Activity and Protective Effect of Banana Peel Against Oxidative Hemolysis of Human Erythrocyte at Different Stages of Ripening.” Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Vol. 7. August 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21369778
