6 Unusual Ways To Use Pineapple Peels That Might Reduce Inflammation

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January 12, 2021 — 3:34 AM

Native to the Americas and a member of the bromeliad family (the only edible fruit of its kind), the pineapple (ananas comosus) is a nutritious all-star hailed for its multiple gut-healing and culinary applications around the world. A study published by Biochemical Reports in 2016 reports that pineapples have been used extensively in folk medicine for healing, health-promoting purposes since ancient times. Pineapple's unique anatomy and properties make it a compelling, tropical emblem—plus, the fruit is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and helpful compounds that can help fight inflammation and disease. 

Beyond their plump golden interior, the stem and peel (and sometimes leaves) of pineapple plants are also praised for their anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting abilities. That's because they contain bromelain, a type of digestive enzymes derived from pineapple juice, peel, and stem. Among its multiple uses, bromelain's therapeutic benefits expand from treating osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease, to reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

We can all agree that food is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal when it comes to combating inflammation. Yet, how we produce, process, consume, and discard our food is also an imperative agent of our individual, social, and environmental transformation. If you need some extra convincing incentives for reusing your pineapple peels, let's take a quick look at the intersection between pineapple biowaste and our planet.

Within the health food space, there's an incontestable (even urgent) call toward a more sustainable, equitable, healthier society. One example of this Earth-friendly wave centers on food waste. From upcycled foods to sustainable agricultural practices, food industries and consumers alike are looking for better ways to reduce and reuse food waste efficiently. 

Back to pineapple: On a macro level, waste products from the fruit's apparently inedible bits (hello, peels), can serve as a valueable ingredient for the food industry and beyond. There are a number of planet-friendly pineapple peel applications, such as using fermented pineapple peels as protein sources to making sustainable, leather-like textiles or a source of energy production.

Though, on a micro-level (as in when it comes to your home practice), rest assured that composting isn't the only viable alternative for repurposing your pineapple peels.

As simple as it sounds, pineapple water is a mighty, easy way to reap pineapple peels' benefits. Start by placing the outer skins (not the fruit) in a medium saucepan, add 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks (optional), and let it simmer on low heat for 25 to 35 minutes. Turn the heat off and let this concoction steep for another 30 minutes before straining the peels out. 

You can serve this peel-infused agua hot or cold and sweetened to taste. Also, this pineapple peel agua makes for an excellent water-based flavoring substitute worth keeping around your kitchen.

A pineapple peel tea ritual (or any consciously-crafted ritual, for that matter) offers a unique and intimate opportunity to become mindful of ourselves from the inside out. Inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's words, drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves, the health benefits derived from following a tea ritual stretch past the cup. 

Because inflammation and stress are at the heart of most modern-day disease, the ritual of brewing and drinking tea might be a good option to help us slow down. One study found that participants who drank black tea four times a day for six days a week had lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) than those who drank a placebo. Add a pineapple peel to your ritual, and you have found yourself a delightful, anti-inflammatory treat.

If you've pickled fruits or veggies before, you know there are multiple benefits associated with this type of food prep. Not only is pickling a convenient, planet-friendly way to make food last (and taste delicious), but it's also a creative outlet with infinite iterations. 

Here's a great way to make a quick pickle at home. You can use both the pineapple fruit and peel to add more flavor. Just make sure to clean the skin (preferably organic) before adding them to a pickling jar.