Here’s why one should never throw away onion and garlic peels

Are you also someone who has been throwing away onion and garlic peels after using them in the kitchen? Then you need to stop and read this! It is impossible to imagine day-to-day Indian cooking without the two aromatic veggies- onion and garlic. Right from adding a strong aroma to the delicacies to enhancing the health quotient of meals, onion and garlic are a lot more than just taste enhancers. Here’s how you can reuse onion and garlic peels in several interesting ways.

Both garlic and onion are packed with the goodness of nutrients such as minerals, vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants. In fact, onion peels are a rich source of flavonoids known as Quercetin, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. In case of garlic, it loses its goddess when the peels are removed, this may sound strange, but it is true! Garlic peels have Phenylpropanoid antioxidants, which help in protecting the heart by reducing bad cholesterol levels, boost immunity and slow down ageing. Thus, reusing these peels can be worth the effort.

Onion and garlic are known for their alluring and strong flavour, but do you know, dry roasting the peels of onion and garlic can be used to add a smoky flavour to many delicacies! This is one fact about restaurant foods you were never told. Yes, dry roast the peels till they turn charred, grind and store in a container. Adding this mixture to the delicacies can give that perfect smoky flavour.

Adding onion and garlic peels while cooking rice can add more nourshment to the rice. In fact, adding it to biryani and pulao can also make the dish more aromatic, but don’t forget to remove the peel.

No doubt, adding onion paste or grated onions makes the curries, gravies and soups thick. But if you want to increase the consistency of your curries or soup, add onion peels to the soup, once the curry attains a thick texture, remove the peels using a spatula and enjoy a delicious curry or soup.

Onions are widely used for their potent medicinal and healing properties, but if you are someone who is tired of falling and greying of hair, then these peels are no less than a savior. Take a black iron kadai, roast the onion peels, till they turn black, add black onion seeds and coconut oil. Heat this oil, allow it to cool down and apply it on hair.

Apply and wash it after an hour for better results and keep it overnight.

Take onion and garlic peels and add them to warm water, this can work as foot soak. The antifungal and antibacterial properties are great for foot infections.

Image courtesy: TimesofIndia.com and Istock

This might sound strange but sipping on onion peel tea can help soothe your senses and induce sleep. Much like onions, the peel and skins are packed with nutrients and minerals. Heat a cup of water, add onion peel, green tea, let it seep for 3 minutes, add lemon and honey. Enjoy a healthy cup of tea.