Before you toss that banana peel....

Bananas are good for you. They are chock-full of tryptophan, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. Even their peels are nutritious. Earlier this month a press release from the American Chemical Society stated that banana peels are “… replacing pork in "pulled peel" sandwiches and getting fried up into "bacon." And now, researchers reporting in ACS Food Science & Technology show that incorporating banana peel flour into sugar cookie batter makes the treats more healthful.”

Wikimedia/ Anitamahotra

I eat a lot of bananas, and I know the peels had nutrients – that’s why I toss them into my compost bin. But no more! Apparently banana peels are packed with anti-oxidents:  polyphenols, carotenoids, and others that can help fight cancer-causing free radicals in your body. Banana peels are also a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as magnesium, potassium, protein and, of course, fiber. Lots of fiber.

Banana peel "bacon" requires too many seasonings, but you can toss banana peels into your next smoothie, mix up a banana peel chutney, or make some banana peel curry. I’m thinking this faux pulled “pork” recipe might go well in a taco.

You don’t have to eat banana peels to reuse them. They are good for moisturizing skin and soothing mosquito bites (just rub the inside of the peel over the bite). And some people rub them over their leather shoes for a quick shine. Warning: they do nothing for muddy sneakers.