Can you use pomegranate skin for anything?

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Pomegranate peels, which can make up as much as 50% of the fruit's total weight, contain higher levels of antioxidants than the edible arils inside. Instead of discarding this nutrient-rich byproduct, it can be repurposed for a surprising variety of health, beauty, and household applications.

Quick Summary

Pomegranate skin, typically dried and ground into powder, serves multiple purposes due to its rich antioxidant and fiber content. Applications range from brewing medicinal teas and creating natural skincare masks to serving as a nutrient-rich garden supplement.

Key Points

Drying and Grinding: Pomegranate peels must be thoroughly dried and ground into a fine powder to be properly used for most applications.
Antioxidant Power: The peel contains a higher concentration of potent antioxidants like polyphenols and tannins compared to the juice or arils.
Internal Benefits: Consumed as a tea or supplement, pomegranate peel can support digestive health, boost immunity, and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
Topical Uses: As a powder mixed with water or oil, it can be used for skincare masks to fight acne and signs of aging, or for hair to combat dandruff.
Garden Resource: When composted or mixed into soil, the peels provide valuable minerals, enriching the soil and naturally deterring pests.
Health Precautions: Due to potentially harmful substances in large quantities, avoid eating raw peel and consult a doctor before using as a supplement.

Repurposing Pomegranate Peels: A Hidden Treasure

Often seen as simple kitchen waste, pomegranate peels are a powerhouse of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and high dietary fiber. Harnessing these components requires a simple preparation process, typically involving drying and grinding the peels into a fine powder. This versatility makes the humble pomegranate peel an ideal ingredient for a range of natural and sustainable uses.

Preparing Pomegranate Peel Powder at Home

Making your own pomegranate peel powder is a straightforward process that allows you to store and use this valuable resource year-round. Proper preparation is key to preserving its potent properties.

How to Dry Pomegranate Peels

There are two primary methods for drying the peels to ensure all moisture is removed, which is crucial for preventing mold and extending shelf life.

Sun-Drying: The most traditional method, involving placing the peels on a baking sheet near a window with direct sunlight. This can take several days until the peels are completely crispy.
Oven-Drying: A faster alternative is to bake the peels at a low temperature, such as 200°F (93°C), for 2-3 hours. The peels should become brittle and snap easily when ready.

How to Grind and Store the Powder

Once the peels are fully dried, they can be processed into powder and stored for later use.

Use a high-speed blender, coffee grinder, or food processor to grind the brittle peels into a fine powder.
Store the finished powder in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Health and Wellness Applications

Beyond their nutritional content, pomegranate peels are prized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can be delivered internally through tea or externally via topical treatments.

Brew a Health-Boosting Tea

An herbal tea brewed from pomegranate peel powder offers a potent dose of antioxidants. To prepare, steep a teaspoon of the powder in a cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. This tea is believed to support digestion and reduce inflammation.

Support Digestive and Gut Health

The high dietary fiber content in the peel is beneficial for the digestive system, helping to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Additionally, the tannins in the peel have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe intestinal issues and promote a healthy gut flora.

Improve Oral Hygiene

Thanks to its potent antibacterial properties, pomegranate peel can be used to create a natural mouthwash that fights plaque and helps prevent tooth decay. A simple rinse made from boiled peel water or a paste rubbed on gums and teeth can improve overall dental health.

Natural Skincare and Hair Treatments

The same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit internal health also offer significant advantages for skin and hair care, providing an all-natural beauty routine.

Create Rejuvenating Face Masks

A paste made from pomegranate peel powder and water or rose water can be used as a face mask to combat acne, soothe rashes, and reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Its natural exfoliating action helps remove dead skin cells and brighten the complexion.

Combat Hair Loss and Dandruff

When mixed with hair oil and massaged into the scalp, pomegranate peel powder can help revitalize the scalp, fight dandruff, and combat hair loss. It provides essential nutrients that promote stronger, healthier hair growth.

Garden and Home Uses

For the eco-conscious, pomegranate peels offer practical and sustainable alternatives for the garden and home, reducing waste while providing natural benefits.

Nutrient-Rich Garden Supplement

Dried and crushed pomegranate peels are rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, making them an excellent natural fertilizer. They can be added directly to the soil to improve fertility or included in compost to boost its nutrient content.

Table: Comparison of Pomegranate Peel Applications


Category	Use Case	Preparation Method	Key Benefit
Internal Health	Tea	Steep dried peel powder in hot water.	Antioxidant boost, digestive aid.
Internal Health	Digestive Aid	Mix dried powder with warm water.	Soothes gut, provides fiber.
Personal Care	Face Mask	Combine powder with water, yogurt, or honey.	Reduces acne, fights aging.
Personal Care	Hair Treatment	Mix powder with hair oil for scalp massage.	Combats dandruff and hair loss.
Household	All-Purpose Cleaner	Boil peels in water to create a liquid disinfectant.	Natural antibacterial cleaning.
Gardening	Fertilizer/Compost	Mix dried, crushed peels into soil or compost.	Adds minerals and nutrients.

Safety Precautions

While generally safe, especially when prepared at home, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. Consuming large amounts of the root, stem, or unprepared peel can be unsafe due to potentially harmful substances. Always use proper handling techniques and consult a healthcare provider before using pomegranate peel as a supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications. When applying topically, perform a small patch test first to ensure no adverse reaction.

Conclusion

Pomegranate skin is far more than just a byproduct; it is a versatile and valuable resource. By drying and processing the peels, you can unlock a multitude of uses, from improving your personal health and beauty regimen to enhancing your garden's vitality. Embracing this zero-waste approach not only benefits you but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle, proving that even discarded materials can hold surprising potential. From a nutrient-dense tea to a natural skincare solution, the uses of pomegranate skin offer a compelling argument for never throwing it away again. National Institutes of Health article on peel benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

While technically edible, consuming large quantities of the raw root, stem, or peel can be unsafe due to potentially harmful substances. For internal use, it is safest to consume small, prepared amounts, such as in dried powder form for tea.

You can dry the peels by placing them on a baking sheet in direct sunlight for 2-3 days, or by dehydrating them in an oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) for a few hours until they become brittle.

Yes, pomegranate peel is excellent for skincare. When ground into a powder and mixed with water, yogurt, or honey, it can create a rejuvenating face mask that helps combat acne, fights signs of aging, and brightens the skin.

Yes, the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of pomegranate peel can benefit hair health. Applying a paste of pomegranate peel powder and oil to the roots can help reduce dandruff and hair loss.

Yes, pomegranate peels are compostable and can enrich your soil with nutrients like potassium and calcium. However, in worm bins, they should be added sparingly and in small pieces, as they break down very slowly due to their tough, fibrous nature.

The peel is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps with bowel regularity. Its tannins also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects that can soothe gut inflammation and treat issues like diarrhea.

To make a natural mouthwash, simply boil some dried pomegranate peel in water. Once cooled and strained, this liquid can be used as a rinse to fight plaque, bad breath, and gum issues due to its antibacterial properties.