What Can We Do With Leftover Apple Peels?

It’s fall! Or at least that is what the calendar says. While the weather in Florida may not be cooling down yet, many of us are ready for a taste of the autumn season. What better way to welcome fall than with apples. Some recipes call for peeled apples, so what do you do with all those nutritious peels? Before tossing them in the garbage or compost, consider some of these easy recipes to curb food waste and get the most out of your produce.

Apple Tea - In a pot of water, bring the apple peels to a boil. Add cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to taste. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out the liquid for tasting and compost remaining peels. This recipe also has the added bonus of making your house smell amazing!

Apple Chips - Toss the apple peels in cinnamon and brown sugar, or any spices of your choice. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 250 degrees for an hour, flipping them half way through. Perfect for a light snack or garnish on salads and oatmeal.

Apple Cider Vinegar - In a glass jar, combine apple peels and cores with filtered water and 1-2 teaspoons of sugar. Make sure the apple pieces are completely submerged - otherwise it might mold. Cover the jar with a coffee filter and leave it in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Stir every few days and check that the apples are still submerged. After another 2-4 weeks, strain out the remaining apple pieces and bottle your apple cider vinegar. It can be used with a drop of dish soap to kill pesky fruit flies, to make salad dressing, or as a base for a homemade all-purpose cleaner.

There are endless possibilities for apple scraps. Finding uses for food scraps not only helps divert food waste, but it can get you thinking about creative ways to add new favors to your kitchen!

By Kai Sacco, Intern with Transition Sarasota

Joyce Norris, Executive Director - Transition Sarasota