Tag: Fruit waste

Over seven pounds of pineapple are eaten per person annually in the United States, yet the central core of this popular tropical fruit is almost always discarded. Most people cut around the fibrous, cylindrical center without a second thought, tossing away a part of the fruit that holds a wealth of nutrients and health benefits. This common habit stems from a combination of taste, texture, and a simple lack of awareness regarding its surprisingly valuable properties.

Over 50% of the world's guavas are grown in India, but often, the nutritious peel is discarded without a second thought. This overlooked fruit part is a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a valuable resource for cooking, wellness, and more. If you've ever wondered what to do with guava peel, you're about to discover a world of possibilities.

According to several studies, dried orange peel can contain a significant percentage of cellulose, with some analyses reporting levels as high as 69% in certain processing contexts. This high content is a major reason why orange peel is being explored for industrial applications like bioplastics and bioethanol production.

Many people toss the seeds of their canary melon, but research shows these seeds are not only edible but also highly nutritious. In various cultures, melon seeds are appreciated as a valuable source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals, transforming what many consider food waste into a healthy and delicious snack.

An estimated 30-40% of all food produced is wasted, and for fruit, a large portion of this waste comes from peels that are discarded without a second thought. However, many fruit skins are not only edible but are often more concentrated in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than the fruit's flesh itself. This guide explores which fruit peels are the most nutritious and how to consume them safely.

While many people discard the fibrous center of a pineapple, research shows the core contains the highest concentration of the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain. Beyond this powerful enzyme, the core is a significant source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds often overlooked in favor of the sweeter fruit flesh.

Recent studies show that mango peel is a notable source of dietary fiber, with concentrations ranging from 45% to 78% on a dry weight basis. This confirms that mango peel is indeed high in fiber, containing a variety of other nutritional components.

While most people only eat the sweet flesh of a mango, research shows the skin and even the inner kernel of the seed are technically edible. So, is there any part of a mango you can't eat? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, involving factors like allergic reactions, taste, and preparation.

A 2019 study published in *Frontiers in Microbiology* revealed that eating the entire apple, core and all, can provide a tenfold increase in your intake of beneficial bacteria compared to just eating the flesh. This startling fact prompts the age-old question: **How close to the core of an apple can you eat?**

According to the Food Network, banana peels are indeed safe to eat and contain nutritional benefits. While discarding the peel is common practice, consuming this oft-ignored part of the fruit can provide a significant boost in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. However, proper washing is crucial to remove potential contaminants.