Garlic is a staple in kitchens around the world, beloved for its pungent flavor and numerous health benefits. But while the cloves are often used in cooking, the papery garlic peels are usually discarded. However, these seemingly useless peels are packed with nutrients and can be put to good use in various ways. Before you toss them in the trash, here are seven creative and practical ways to use garlic peels.
1.Boost Your Broth or Stock
Garlic peels can add extra flavor and nutrients to your homemade broths and stocks. The peels contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can enhance the nutritional value of your broth. Plus, they infuse a subtle garlic aroma without overpowering other flavors.
How to Use:
Simply toss a handful of garlic peels into your pot when making broth or stock.
Strain the peels out before using the broth in soups, stews, or sauces.
2.Make a Garlic Peel Tea
Garlic peel tea might sound unusual, but it’s a simple and effective way to reap the health benefits of garlic. Garlic peels are rich in phenolic compounds and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system and support overall health.
How to Use:
Boil a pot of water and add a handful of garlic peels.
Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, then strain the tea.
You can drink the tea as is, or add honey and lemon for flavor.
3.Compost for Nutrient-Rich Soil
Garlic peels are an excellent addition to your compost pile. They break down easily and enrich the compost with nutrients that are beneficial for your garden. Adding garlic peels to your compost can help create nutrient-rich soil that supports healthy plant growth.
How to Use:
Collect your garlic peels in a container and add them to your compost pile.
Mix the peels into the compost along with other kitchen scraps, leaves, and yard waste.
4.Create a Natural Pest Repellent
Garlic’s strong odor is a natural deterrent for many pests, making garlic peels an effective and eco-friendly way to protect your plants. You can use garlic peels to create a natural pest repellent that helps keep unwanted insects out of your garden.
How to Use:
Scatter garlic peels around the base of your plants to deter pests like aphids, snails, and ants.
You can also steep garlic peels in water to make a garlic spray. Strain the liquid and spray it on your plants to repel insects.
5.Enhance Your Beauty Routine
Garlic peels contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your skin. While garlic cloves are often used in DIY beauty treatments, the peels can also be used to enhance your skincare routine.
How to Use:
Grind garlic peels into a fine powder and mix with honey to create a soothing face mask.
Rub the inside of garlic peels on your skin to help reduce acne or inflammation. Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off.
6.Add to Cooking Water for Extra Flavor
Garlic peels can be used to add a subtle garlic flavor to dishes without the intensity of using whole cloves. Adding garlic peels to cooking water can infuse your grains, pasta, or vegetables with a gentle garlic aroma.
How to Use:
Toss garlic peels into the water when boiling pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Remove the peels before serving to enjoy the enhanced flavor.
7.Make a Natural Dye
Garlic peels can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a soft, earthy color. This method is a great way to upcycle garlic peels and experiment with natural dyes in your DIY projects.
How to Use:
Boil garlic peels in water to extract the color, then strain the liquid.
Soak natural fabrics (like cotton or linen) in the garlic peel dye for several hours or overnight.
Rinse the fabric and let it dry to set the color.
Garlic peels are more than just kitchen waste—they’re a valuable resource that can be used in a variety of creative and practical ways. From enhancing your cooking and composting to protecting your garden and adding a natural touch to your beauty routine, garlic peels have a lot to offer. The next time you’re peeling garlic, remember these seven uses and put those peels to good use. Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also discover new ways to benefit from every part of the garlic bulb.
