Banana peels are often tossed without a second thought, destined for the trash or compost bin. However, these humble scraps have surprising uses that can benefit your garden, beauty routine, and even your diet.

1. Fertilize Your Plants Banana peels are a treasure trove of nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are essential for plant growth. You can chop them up and bury them in the soil around your plants to give them a natural nutrient boost. Alternatively, soak the peels in water for a few days and use the water as a nourishing liquid fertilizer.

2. Polish and Protect The inside of a banana peel can be used to polish and shine leather shoes and bags. Simply rub the inner white side of the peel on the surface of the leather, then buff it with a soft cloth. The natural oils in the peel moisturize the leather, keeping it looking new.

3. Natural Pest Repellant Banana peels can help keep aphids away from your garden. Place the peels just under the soil surface near affected plants. The pests dislike the peels and will tend to stay away.

4. Soothe Skin Irritations Banana peels can be used to soothe irritated skin. The peel contains esterified fatty acids which have been isolated and incorporated into various lotions. For a home remedy, rubbing a banana peel on a mosquito bite or on areas affected by poison ivy can help reduce itching and inflammation.

5. Improve Your Diet While not common in Western cuisine, banana peels are edible and packed with fiber and vitamins. You can cook them in various ways to make them palatable. For instance, try blending banana peel into your smoothies, or baking them into banana bread for added nutrients and fiber.

6. Teeth Whitening For a natural teeth whitening solution, gently rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for about two minutes every day. The manganese, magnesium, and potassium in the peel can help remove some stains from the enamel.

7. Remove Splinters The enzymes in a banana peel can help to dislodge splinters. Tape a piece of the peel over the splinter with the inner side touching the skin. Leave it on for 30 minutes before removing the splinter.

Conclusion Next time you enjoy a banana, hold onto the peel. With its various uses from garden care to skin treatments, banana peels are too valuable to throw away. Experiment with these tips, and you may find banana peels becoming a staple in your home for more than just their delicious fruit.