What Can You Do With Apple Peels Before Throwing Them Away?

Apples are among the healthiest fruits, but most of us peel them and discard the skins without a second thought. However, apple peels can be recycled at home and in the kitchen in effective and eco-friendly ways. So, what can you do with those leftover apple peels? Are they good for anything? Can they be used as fertilizers? Let's explore six "alternative" uses of apple peels that will have you rethinking your waste.

1. Use Them as Garden Fertilizers

If you have a vegetable garden or a terrace with plants, you can recycle apple peels effectively. Chop them up and mix them with other organic waste to create a "homemade" compost mixture. Spread this nutrient-rich blend in your soil, and before you know it, your plants will be sprouting with vigor. Think of it as turning trash into plant treasure!

2. Use Them as Fragrances for Cabinets

Apple peels can also be repurposed as natural fragrances for your cabinets. Simply cut the peels into small pieces and let them dry in tin boxes. Once dried, place them in cotton bags and tuck these sachets into your drawers and cabinets. Soon, your storage spaces will be filled with the delightful, fresh scent of apples—no artificial air fresheners needed!

3. Use Them For Infusions and Herbal Teas

For those who love infusions and herbal teas, apple peels offer a 100% natural and delicious option. Dry the peels and mix them with hot water to create a flavorful and intense infusion. Not only will you enjoy a tasty beverage, but you’ll also benefit from the vitamins and nutrients still present in the peels. It’s like getting an apple a day in your teacup!

4. Use Them For Cleaning Pots

Believe it or not, apple peels contain acids that can help remove stubborn crusts from your pots. Boil the peels in the dirty pots for about 30 minutes, and watch as the grime loosens and dissolves. By the end of this process, your pots will shine like new. It’s a simple, eco-friendly cleaning hack that’s both effective and surprising!

5. Make Homemade Desserts

Apple peels aren’t just edible—they can be transformed into mouth-watering desserts. Cut the peels and cook them in a saucepan with sugar and water for a few minutes. After drying them, you’ll have a sweet treat that’s hard to resist. Who knew that something usually discarded could become a delightful dessert?

6. Make Apple Jelly

You can use every part of an apple, including the cores, to make delicious apple jelly. Start by covering the cores with lemon juice and boiling them for half an hour. Filter the mixture through a colander for at least five hours, then add sugar and a gelling agent. Cook the jelly for another half hour, then store it in sterilized jars. Allow it to cool before enjoying a homemade spread that’s perfect on toast or pastries.