Don’t throw away any more peels from your potatoes, oranges, lemons, limes, apples, carrots, and even kiwi.  No doubt you have heard that these color dense peels are filled with nutrients.  The skin of a fruit or vegetable is its first line of defense. Consequently, it is filled with immune building phyto-nutrients.  Prevention magazine (Sept. 2010) published ways to use peels that enhance meals, ones your family will probably like.  (Always wash your produce first.)  

Turn your brown, red or sweet potato skins into baked “potato crisps.” Grate or finely chop citrus skins and toss some into salads, steamed vegetables, sauteed dishes - be creative.  These add delicous zest.  If your kids refuse to eat apple skins, peel them and add some bits to a grilled sandwich with cheese.  Toss the rest into a salad. You can even grate or thinly peel vegetables and put them in ground meat dishes such as meatballs and burgers.  Every little bit helps.  No waste.  Lots of nutrients and flavor!   Value these peels, after all, you paid for them.

…  for the health of your family,
ellen and sally