Pineapple skin tea may sound weird, but this one’s good! I mean, really *really* good for your health as well as in taste. Pineapple, also known as ananas in most parts of the world, is a great fruit that is mostly harvested during the summers. From being added in a refreshing summer drink to being added to salads for that kick.
This fruit is a great source of vitamins such as vitamin C, manganese, B vitamins, and fiber. This fruit is also low on calories while being sweet enough to satiate the sugar cravings. The health benefits of this fruit have made it a great substitute for candies. Moreover, the enzyme bromelain makes this fruit another prized addition to bowls. This enzyme helps in promoting healing of tissues and skin as well as help reduce swelling and pain.
In this article we will look at the tips to nail the recipe for pineapple skin tea.
What Is Pineapple Skin Tea?
Pineapple skin tea is a fairly new concept that is entering the FnB sector. Come summer, all of us will be enjoying the tropical fruits that give us a reason to look forward to the summers. When you buy your pineapple, or get it cut from the market, try to save the rinds. The entire recipe revolves around the pineapple skin/peal. So, be sure to save those pineapple skin when you go to buy pineapples from the Farmer’s market.
If you have ever made peach iced tea at home or any other type of tea at home, then you will be able to make this too. Its as simple as that. Let’s look at the tips to make it.
Top 4 Tips To Make The Perfect Cuppa!
Here are the tips to make the perfect cup of pineapple tea so that you can enjoy a cup of goodness. The following tips can help you make a healthy cup of tea that is both refreshing and economical as you are preventing food waste.
Tip #1: Wash your pineapple/pineapple skin properly
If you are going to cut the pineapple at home, then go ahead and wash your pineapple thoroughly with a good vegetable cleanser. Then, proceed to soak the fruit (or the peels if you are getting it cut from the market,) for at least 15-20 minutes in a mixture of baking soda or apple cider vinegar– whichever is available to you.
You can follow it up with scrubbing the skin to remove any dirt that you may not have gotten rid of. Any residue present on the skin can cause the taste to alter.
You can also store the pineapple scraps in a bag so that you can make it whenever you are ready. It is best to make it fresh. However, it is okay to make the tea later when you are feeling great about it.
Tip #2: Boil the pineapple skin
Boil the pineapple rind/peel/skin with an inch of raw turmeric and a smashed ginger. Let the mixture boil for sometime- around 30 minutes.
Alternatively you may even grate the turmeric and ginger to enhance the flavor. However, either of the two options work just fine. Grating the supporting star performers of the drink is time-taking, so you can just smash them or cut them in half before boiling the mixture.
Tip #3: You may add herbs and spices
You can add herbs and spices to enhance the taste as well as improve the absorption of the beneficial properties. You can play around with flavors such as cayenne pepper, black pepper (a pinch of it, promise you won’t feel it.) Additionally, you can add a few drops of lemon juice.
Tip #4: Make it sweet if you want!
You can add a sweetener such as honey. Alternatively, if you are a vegan you can swap honey for maple syrup. Both the options can help you enjoy the tea with a hint of sweetness that does not just come from the pineapples that are left on the peels. The drink is beneficial for you if you are thinking of trying something new for the summer.
8 Benefits Of Drinking Pineapple Skin Tea
The tea is beneficial for you because of the goodness of so many of the ingredients that go into it. Here’s everything that your body is gaining:
- Regulation Of Blood Sugar Levels
The presence of dietary fiber helps in slowing down the rate of sugar absorption in the body. The growth of gut bacteria is also something that this tea promotes which can help In improving the various mechanisms that go on in the body. However, in other sugary drinks that one may opt for during the summers, this alternative is great for you.
- Reduces Fatigue, Provides Energy
The vitamins and minerals that are present in pineapple skin tea act as a natural source of energy for us. The proteolytic (protein breaking) enzyme – bromelain – in the fruit as well as the skin facilitates break down of protein which results in the production of energy. The rich source of vitamin C is great for converting glucose into energy that our body can use.
- Improvement In Heart Health
Pineapple skin tea has great benefits for heart health due to the good source of antioxidants. This resource helps in reducing oxidative damage that affects the cardiovascular system. When consumed everyday, this tea can help you maintain a heart function that is healthy.
- Inflammation Reducing
The presence of bromelain helps in reducing inflammation through its action on cytokines. The anti-inflammatory property of this enzyme is seen to inhibit the production of cytokines that helps in differentiation of T helper cells. These cells help in preventing autoimmune reaction and providing protection from exogenous offending agents.
This mechanism is useful in reducing inflammation.
- Helps In Reducing Excess Weight
The low amount of calories as well as the high dietary fiber in this tea are helpful in promoting weight loss. Moreover, the latter helps in keeping you full, thus reducing the intake of empty calories or any calories in general.
The natural ingredients in this tea help improve metabolism due to the presence of natural compounds that also help in stimulating fat burning process.
- Rich Source Of Antioxidants
The presence of the enzyme, along with the vitamins such as E, C and beta-carotene facilitates health by preventing chronic diseases. Protects from oxidative damage because of everyday activities such as exposure to pollution or cell-damaging chemicals. This helps in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiac issues.
- Helps In Digestion
The amount of fiber in this tea helps in the digestion of proteins which may be difficult for some people. The overall digestion of a person can also be improved through the use of this tea. The tea can also help solve constipation, bloating as well as other issues related to digestion. This makes pineapple skin tea a great option for anyone with digestive issues.
- Immunity-boosting
Additionally, the various beneficial properties of this tea also enhance the consumer’s immunity. When the immune system is free of damaging radicals, it can provide better protection. The Vitamin C in this tea boosts the immune system’s role in fighting off infection and diseases. This is from its role in boosting white blood cells.
The fun part is that you can reap these benefits with just a cup of this tea everyday!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pineapple skin tea will be the hottest trend this year. With the added benefits, you will not just become the recipe-sharer at your Summer 2024 party! On a regular basis, hot or cold, no matter what your preference, you can sip on this concoction without worrying about calories or negative health implications.
Know another recipe we can try? Sound off in the comments!