Don’t throw away your pineapple peels! They might surprise you. Combined with cloves

Here are a few ways to use pineapple peels with cloves:

1. Pineapple Peel & Clove Tea

Ingredients

• Peels from 1 ripe pineapple (washed thoroughly)
• 4–6 whole cloves
• 1–2 liters (4–8 cups) water
• Optional: 1 cinnamon stick, a few slices of fresh ginger, honey or sugar to taste

Instructions

1. Wash the pineapple well before peeling.
2. Place the peels, cloves, and optional cinnamon or ginger in a pot.
3. Add the water and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to a simmer for 20–30 minutes.
5. Strain the liquid.
6. Drink it warm or chill it and serve over ice.

How to use

• Drink 1–2 cups a day as a flavorful beverage.
• Refrigerate and consume within 3–4 days.

2. Fermented Pineapple Drink (Tepache-Style)

Ingredients

• Pineapple peels and core
• 1–2 liters water
• ½–1 cup brown sugar or piloncillo
• 3–5 whole cloves
• Optional: 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

1. Dissolve the sugar in the water.
2. Add the pineapple peels, cloves, and cinnamon to a clean glass jar.
3. Cover the jar with a clean cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
4. Let it ferment at room temperature for 2–3 days, tasting daily.
5. When it reaches the flavor you like, strain it and refrigerate.

How to use

• Serve chilled.
• Open the bottle carefully if it becomes fizzy.

Possible Benefits

Pineapple peels contain:

• Fiber (if eaten or blended)
• Vitamin C (some transfers into the liquid)
• Polyphenols and antioxidants
• Small amounts of bromelain, an enzyme naturally found in pineapple (most concentrated in the stem, with smaller amounts in the peel).

Cloves contain:

• Antioxidants, including eugenol
• Compounds that contribute to their distinctive aroma and flavor.

These drinks can be a tasty way to reduce food waste and add variety to your beverages. However, there’s no strong scientific evidence that pineapple peel and clove drinks detoxify the body, melt fat, cure diseases, or provide major health benefits beyond those of a nutritious beverage.

Safety Tips

• Wash the pineapple thoroughly before peeling to reduce dirt and pesticide residue.
• Discard any moldy or spoiled peels.
• If fermenting, use clean equipment and throw the batch away if you notice mold, an unpleasant rotten smell, or unusual colors.
• Cloves are best used in moderation because large amounts may cause stomach irritation in some people.

This recipe is enjoyable as a refreshing drink, but it should complement—not replace—a balanced diet and appropriate medical care if you have a health condition.