Zero Waste is a lifestyle approach that aims to minimize the amount of waste we produce. It is a lifestyle in which people generate less waste and thus do not pollute the environment. This is an ethical and economic goal. This trend is developing dynamically in Europe. After preparing various types of apple preserves, you can use their leftovers to make, for example, juices. You can also use apple peel, e.g. to prepare tea from dried apple peels. Apple peels and the flesh just underneath them contain vitamins and valuable ingredients, e.g. antioxidants. The peels contain flavonoids that protect the walls of the stomach and intestines, have a positive effect on intestinal peristalsis, reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, and their regular consumption may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. So how can we use apple peels - here are some suggestions.
Apple peel compote
Ingredients:
- peels from 5 apples, potentially also cores, but without seeds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla or vanillin sugar
- 5 cloves
- 5 tablespoons of regular sugar or other sweetener
- 5 litres of water
Method:
Sprinkle the peels with sugar and add the water. Add vanilla pod and cloves. Bring to a boil over low heat and cook for about 30 minutes. Then remove from heat, let cool, remove cinnamon, cloves and apple parts. Serve warm or cold. You can add a slice of ginger or lemon to taste.
Apple peel cider vinegar
Ingredients:
- 200 g apple peels
- 50 g of sugar
- 1 litre of water
Method:
Place the peels in a jar, sprinkle with sugar and press down. Add the water over them. Cover the jar with gauze and tie it with string. Stir the mixture daily for the next 3-4 weeks. Keep at room temperature. If the cloth or gauze becomes damp during this time, it must be replaced. After this time, vinegar should form. It should be strained and poured into sterilized and disinfected bottles. Keep in a cool and dark room for a maximum of one year.
Apple peel jelly
Ingredients:
- 500 g apple peels
- 250 g of sugar
- 5 litres of water
- gelling agent, e.g. agar or pectin
Method:
Place the peels in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes over low heat. Remove from the heat, cool and place in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours. After this time, squeeze the apples and leave the broth clear. Add sugar and bring to a boil. Add gelling substances - according to the instructions on the packaging. Pour the liquid into dishes and serve when it thickens.
Cinnamon-caramel apple peel crisps
Ingredients:
- peels from 4-5 apples
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or xylitol
- 1 teaspoon of flour
- 5 teaspoon of cinnamon
Method:
Add brown sugar or xylitol, flour and cinnamon into a bowl. Mix with apple peels so that the peels are evenly covered. Preheat an oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper and place the peels on it. Bake for about 30-45 minutes until crispy. Stir during baking.
Apple tea
Ingredients:
- peels from 3 apples
- 3 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 clove
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- lemon slice
Method:
Place the peels in a pot and cover with water. Add cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Then strain, set aside for 5-10 minutes and add a teaspoon of honey. You can garnish with a slice of lemon.
Dried apple crisps
Ingredients:
- peels from 4-5 apples
Method:
Place the peels on a baking tray lined with baking paper and put in an oven preheated to 60°C. Drying should take about 40 minutes. Before storing in a dry and airtight jar, make sure the peels are dry, as mould may appear on them.
Apple peel smoothie
Ingredients:
- peels from 4-5 apples
- 1 orange
- 1 banana
- 250 g blueberries
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
Method:
Put the apple peels into a blender and add the remaining fruit. Blend everything and pour into a glass. If the smoothie is not sweet enough, you can add one or two tablespoons of honey.
In Europe, there are stores that, in addition to the slogan “green”, use the term “zero waste”. In such stores you can shop by weight and adjust the quantity of the product to your real needs. There is no foil packaging and customers bring their own bags. Europeans appreciate such stores. The number of zero waste stores in Europe is constantly growing.