What do you do with mango skin?
Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit that are enjoyed around the world. However, one question many mango lovers ask is what to do with the skin after eating the sweet, juicy flesh. While you can simply throw away mango skins, there are actually many uses for this fibrous material. From creating skin care products to lending a unique flavor to recipes, mango skins are quite versatile. Read on to learn several clever ways to use up mango skins instead of tossing them in the trash.
Eat It
One of the easiest things to do with mango skin is simply eat it! While mango skins won’t taste as sweet or soft as the interior flesh, they are still edible. Mangoes contain high amounts of dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds, with much of this nutrition housed in the skin. The skin also contains enzymes thought to aid in digestion. Here are some ways to enjoy mango skin:
- Slice very thin pieces of mango skin off the flesh and eat as you would the fruit.
- Blend mango skins into smoothies for added nutrition and texture.
- Dehydrate strips of mango skin in the oven or a food dehydrator and eat as a snack chip.
- Simmer mango skins in water to make a nutritional tea.
While eating mango skin certainly eliminates food waste, those with sensitive digestions may want to avoid overdoing it. The skin’s fiber may cause gastrointestinal upset in large quantities.
Make Mango Skin Powder
Dehydrating and grinding mango skins into a powder is a great way to preserve nutrition and unique flavor. This powder adds tang and tropical essence when sprinkled on items like:
- Yogurt, oatmeal, and cereal
- Smoothies
- Desserts like cake, cookies, and puddings
- Gluten free flour mixes
Mango powder also makes a nice addition to dry rubs and spice blends for meat. To make your own, simply wash the mango skins, slice into thin strips, and dehydrate completely in a food dehydrator or low oven. Process the dried skins in a blender or food processor until a fine powder forms. Store in an airtight container.
Create Mango Skin Tea
Steeping mango skins in hot water makes a beneficial tea. Mango peel contains flavonoids like quercetin that act as antioxidants and polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties. To brew a basic mango tea:
- Rinse 2-3 mango skins and chop into pieces
- Add the chopped peels to 2 cups water in a small saucepan
- Simmer for 15 minutes
- Strain the liquid and discard skins
- Sweeten if desired and enjoy!
For added flavor, add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom while simmering. Fresh mint also complements mango skin tea.
Craft Mango Vinegar
Mango skins can be used to infuse vinegar with tropical essence. This flavored vinegar makes a nice addition to vinaigrette dressings, marinades, and dips. To make mango vinegar:
- Wash 2-3 large mango skins and slice into strips
- Place peels in a 1 pint jar and cover with 2 cups white vinegar
- Allow to steep for 2-3 weeks, shaking occasionally
- Strain vinegar through a cheesecloth
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months
For best flavor, use a good quality white vinegar like champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar. Apple cider vinegar also pairs well with mango. Play around with adding spices like ginger, red pepper flakes, coriander, or mustard seeds to the jar.
Make Mango Chutney
Chutney is a flavorful Indian condiment that often contains fruit and vinegar. Mango skins can be cooked into a chunky chutney, lending their tartness and fiber. Try this mango skin chutney recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped mango skins (from about 3 large mangoes)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1⁄4 cup raisins or currants
- 1 inch piece ginger, minced
- 1-2 chilies or 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the mango skins, onion, raisins, ginger, and chili pepper. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the vinegar, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
- Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and cook 5 minutes more.
- Allow to cool fully then transfer to a jar. Keeps refrigerated for up to 1 month.
Try the chutney paired with Indian dishes, grilled meats, cheeses, or as a unique burger topping.
Make Candied Mango Peels
Candying fruit peels is a classic way to use citrus rinds, but it works great with thick mango skin too. These sweet, chewy candied peels make an elegant edible garnish. To candy mango skins:
- Cut skins from 4-5 mangoes into 1⁄4 inch wide strips.
- Simmer in water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain.
- Place peels in a saucepan with 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Drain off syrup and coat peels in 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar.
- Dehydrate peels until chewy and sugar coated, about 6 hours in dehydrator or low oven.
Use the leftover syrup from candying in cocktails, desserts, or drizzled over pancakes and waffles.
Create Mango Skin Face Mask
Not only are mango skins edible, they can also benefit your skin when applied topically. Mangoes contain antioxidant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C that help fight free radicals that damage and age skin. The peel also provides exfoliation to reveal fresher skin underneath. Whip up this nourishing mango face mask:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp mango peel powder (mix blend dried peels)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Blend together the mango peel powder, honey, and yogurt until a smooth paste forms.
- Apply to clean face and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off and pat dry. Use 1-2 times per week.
The vitamins and enzymes in mango skins help tighten, brighten, and moisturize when used in a topical mask. The gentle exfoliation reveals new skin cells.
Add to Bath and Body Recipes
Infusing bath and body care products with mango peel adds nourishment along with a sweet, tropical scent. Here are some ideas for using powered mango skins in soaps, scrubs, and more:
Bath and Body Product | Mango Peel Benefits |
---|---|
Body Scrub | Soft exfoliation |
Body Butter | Antioxidants and hydration |
Soap | Natural color and scent |
Bath Tea | Soothing and anti-inflammatory |
Sugar Scrub | Gentle exfoliant |
Body Wash | Vitamins and aroma |
Try adding a tablespoon of mango powder per cup of product. Mix in essential oils like lavender or vanilla to complement the fruitiness.
Repurpose in the Garden
Don’t let mango skins go to waste – the garden can benefit from this useful material too. Here are some ways to repurpose mango peels outdoors:
- Composting – Chop mango skins to add nitrogen and moisture to compost piles and bins.
- Potting Mix – Blend dried mango skins to a powder and mix into potting soil as a nutrient boost.
- Pest Control – Scatter coarsely chopped fresh mango peels around plants as a natural slug and snail deterrent.
- Fertilizer – Steep mango skins in water for 1-2 weeks then spray the “tea” onto plants as fertilizer.
- Seed Starter – Line seed trays with mango skin strips to give seeds nutrients as they sprout.
With their abundance of nutrients and fiber, mango skins make an excellent amendment for garden beds, potted plants, and compost piles. Waste not, want not!
Conclusion
While many people instinctively toss mango skins in the trash, these nutrient-rich peels can be put to good use. Before you discard them, consider repurposing mango skins around your home. Add them to your diet in smoothies or tea, turn them into skin-nourishing face masks, or craft flavorful vinegars. Dehydrating and grinding skins into an aromatic powder gives you even more options for boosting recipes and DIY body products. With so many possibilities, mango skins can be a handy ingredient rather than an afterthought.