12 Things to Do with Banana Peel Instead of Throwing Them Away!

**How to Use:**
– Simply chop the peel into small pieces and toss them into your compost bin.
– Mix with other organic waste to create nutrient-dense compost for your garden.

### 7. **Fertilize Plants**

If you have houseplants or a garden, banana peels can be used directly as a natural fertilizer. The nutrients in banana peels, especially potassium, are great for promoting plant health and blooming.

**How to Use:**
– Cut up banana peels into small pieces and bury them in the soil near the roots of your plants.
– As the peel decomposes, it will release nutrients to nourish your plants.

### 8. **Banana Peel Smoothie Boost**

Banana peels are rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your smoothie. By blending banana peels with your favorite fruits, you can add extra nutrients and boost the nutritional value of your drink.

**How to Use:**
– Wash the banana peel thoroughly, cut off the ends, and blend it along with your smoothie ingredients.
– You won’t even notice the peel, but your smoothie will be richer in fiber and antioxidants.

### 9. **Banana Peel as a Meat Tenderizer**

The enzymes in banana peels can help tenderize meat, making them perfect for cooking tough cuts. The peel helps break down the proteins, making your meat more tender and flavorful.

**How to Use:**
– Place banana peels on top of your meat while it’s cooking (or marinate the meat with them overnight).
– Remove the peels before serving the meat. Your dish will be more tender and juicy.

### 10. **Insect Repellent for Your Garden**

Banana peels can act as a natural repellent for aphids, ants, and other insects that may damage your garden. The compounds in the peel help deter pests without using harmful chemicals.

**How to Use:**
– Place banana peels around the base of plants or in areas where insects are a problem.
– The scent will naturally repel pests, keeping your garden safe.

### 11. **Banana Peel as a Shoe Deodorizer**

Banana peels can be used to absorb odors and keep your shoes smelling fresh. The peels’ natural deodorizing properties can help eliminate unpleasant smells from your footwear.

**How to Use:**
– Place a piece of banana peel inside your shoes and leave them overnight.
– The next day, remove the peel, and your shoes will smell fresh.

### 12. **Polish Silverware**

You can use banana peels to clean and polish silver items like cutlery and jewelry. The natural oils in the peel help remove tarnish and restore shine to silver.

**How to Use:**
– Rub the inside of a banana peel on your tarnished silver.
– Use a soft cloth to buff the silverware to a shiny finish.

### Conclusion

Banana peels are a hidden gem when it comes to reducing waste and finding eco-friendly solutions to everyday problems. From boosting your beauty routine to helping your garden thrive, these 12 uses for banana peels prove that the peel is just as valuable as the fruit itself. So, next time you’re about to toss away a banana peel, think twice—there’s a world of possibilities waiting to be explored!