Onion Skins

another thrifty save

Just when you thought you couldn’t get any more frugal, I found another tip to be filed under “ waste not, want not”. If the great depression taught us anything, it’s not to be wasteful. That generation used everything until they couldn’t. I would have fit right in.

So, the next time you are peeling onions, save those skins! They are an underrated source of fiber and antioxidants. You can add the peels ( in small amounts) to soups or grind them into a powder to use in other recipes for an added boost of nutrition. The outer layer of skin is higher in nutrients than the inner layer. Be sure to wash the onion skins very well, and organic is always best.

Onion skins are rich in antioxidants, but also flavonoids and vitamins, offering benefits for heart health, immunity, weight management, and inflammation. The red onion beats out the yellow or white for being the leader in overall health rewards.

Onion skin infusions can be used as a soothing wash for skin irritations, and also as a hair rinse to help improve the texture and shine. The antifungal properties may also help with minor skin conditions like athlete’s foot, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

There is more to know about the common onion that we take for granted, but not anymore. Onions have been cultivated for over 5000 years, and here we are just learning how to use every layer of these kitchen favorites. Leaving you with another tip about onions, if they make you cry, light a candle nearby while peeling them, the sulfur in the match soaks up the agent that makes your eyes water. Who knew?