Stretch those grocery dollars while you reduce your climate footprint as part of our Food Waste Fighting Fridays. (The average American spends about $3,000 per year on unused groceries!)
Nearly a third of Americans admit forgetting about leftovers they meant to eat, and about a quarter lose interest in their leftovers. All of these, and more, are the factors that lead to food waste!
Revitalize leftovers and explore recipes for the most wasted foods with us.
Banana Peel Bacon and Banana Split
This is a crazy one, I'll admit. But given that bananas are a top wasted food item at home, and that banana peels are hardly ever considered, this one is worth an experiment at home - or to impress your friends and family. Banana peel bacon bits? Who would think!
In fact, banana peels ARE edible - and they are packed with several essential nutrients such as vitamin A, B vitamins, lutein (an antioxidant that supports eye health), antioxidants, and substantial amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Banana peels help with digestion, staving off hunger with fiber, and they aid in lowering cholesterol.
Banana Peel Bacon: Ingredients:
- Banana peels from 4 bananas
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Wash banana peels thoroughly, remove any stickers, and scrape off the white pith inside.
- Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
- Marinate the banana peels in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the peels until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Banana Split: Ingredients:
- 4 bananas (from the peels you used)
- Your favorite ice cream (vegan or dairy)
- Chocolate syrup
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- Split the bananas lengthwise and place them in bowls.
- Scoop ice cream into the bowls, nestling it between the banana halves.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with nuts, and top with a cherry. Enjoy the nostalgic treat!
Make sure to follow along on Instagram @trashy__chips for more Leftover Luxe inspiration.
