Wondering what to do with pineapple skin? Warm up with a cup of homemade pineapple tea, where simplicity meets wellness. This brew, crafted from the often-unnoticed pineapple peel, marries the zesty punch of cinnamon, ginger, and fennel seeds. It's not just about enjoying a refreshing drink; it's about embracing these ingredients' natural benefits.
Pineapple peel, usually discarded, is a hidden gem in promoting health. Paired with the earthy warmth of cinnamon, the subtle heat of ginger, and the slight sweetness of fennel seeds, this tea becomes more than just a beverage—it's a gentle nod towards a healthier lifestyle.
This versatile tea is perfect for any occasion, whether you're seeking a cozy morning alternative to coffee or a chilled, refreshing drink for warmer days. Inspired by our popular post on How to Make Pineapple Water, and our lemon ginger turmeric tea, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.
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💚 Why you will love this recipe
- Unique Flavor Fusion
- Natural Health Boost
- Simple Ingredients
- Waste-Reducing Recipe
- Cozy Comfort Drink
🧾 Ingredients
The ingredients that make this wholesome tea SO good are:
- Pineapple skin: Brings a tangy sweetness and is packed with antioxidants.
- Cinnamon stick: Adds a warm, comforting aroma and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Fresh ginger: Imparts a spicy kick and aids in digestion and inflammation reduction.
- Fennel seeds: Offer a subtle licorice flavor and are great for soothing the stomach.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
- Cinnamon stick: Cardamom pods can be used for a uniquely aromatic and sweet flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Allspice provides a warm, slightly sweet taste with a hint of pepper.
- Fennel seeds: Caraway seeds can be used for their similar anise-like flavor.
🍽 Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
🔪 Instructions
To make this fantastic tea, follow these step-by-step directions.
Prepare Ingredients
Step 1: Thoroughly clean all fresh ingredients under running water using a brush.
Step 2: Carefully peel the pineapple, reserving the skin and core for the tea.
Step 3: Finely slice the fresh ginger to maximize its flavor release during brewing.
Brew Tea
Step 4: In a large pot, combine the pineapple rinds and core, cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, and fennel seeds with water.
Step 5: Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Final Steps
Step 6: Carefully strain the tea to remove all solid ingredients.
Step 7: Enjoy the tea warm as a comforting beverage.
Enjoy!
Cold Option
Chill: Allow the tea to cool down and then refrigerate.
Serve with Ice: Pour the chilled tea over ice for a refreshing cold drink.
💡 Expert Tips
Concentrated Flavor: Let the brewed tea sit longer after simmering for a stronger taste. The longer it rests, the more intense the flavors become.
Pineapple Prep: When peeling the pineapple, leave a bit of the flesh on the skin. This adds a richer, more pronounced pineapple flavor to the tea.
Chilling Method: Avoid adding ice immediately after brewing if you prefer your tea cold. This can dilute the flavors. Instead, let the tea cool to a warm temperature before adding ice or refrigerating. Silicone ice cubes are a great option as the water doesn't get into the tea.
Spice Balance: Be mindful of the amount of ginger and fennel seeds used. Too much can overpower the delicate pineapple and cinnamon flavors. Start with smaller amounts and adjust according to taste.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter tea, consider adding a touch of natural sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia after brewing.
Eco-Friendly Choice: Using pineapple skin is a great way to reduce food waste. Ensure the pineapples are organically grown to avoid pesticide residue in your tea.
📖 Variations
Hibiscus Pineapple Tea: Combine dried hibiscus flowers with the pineapple skin, adding a floral and tart dimension to the brew. This pineapple hibiscus tea variation is particularly refreshing when served cold.
Pure Pineapple Water: For a simpler, yet equally delicious option, follow our how to nake pineapple water post. It focuses solely on the subtle, sweet flavors of pineapple.
Tropical Ginger Detox Water: Inspired by our pineapple ginger cucumber lemon water recipe, this variation combines ginger, cucumber, and lemon with pineapple, creating a detoxifying and invigorating drink ideal for rejuvenation and hydration.
Green Tea-Infused Pineapple Peel Tea: After simmering the pineapple skin, cinnamon, ginger, and fennel seeds, turn off the heat and add organic green tea to the saucepan. Let this rest for 5 minutes. The green tea adds a subtle, earthy flavor and antioxidant benefits, creating a rejuvenating and flavorful blend.
As you relish the pineapple notes in this juice, remember our pineapple juice for sore throat is just around the corner to help ease discomfort.
Also, check out the versatile Arroz con Piña - a fantastic recipe that uses boiled pineapple skins with rice for a unique, cost-effective, and zero-waste dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious!
✅ Pineapple skin tea benefits
Sipping on tea made from pineapple skins isn't just a trendy twist on your regular tea routine; it's a powerhouse of benefits wrapped in a delightful tropical aroma. Here’s why you should consider brewing a cup of this unique tea:
- Rich in Nutrients: loaded with vitamins C and B, manganese, and dietary fiber. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones, and a well-functioning digestive system. (source)
- Antioxidant Boost: packed with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body. This can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. (source)
- Weight Loss Ally: Low in calories and high in fiber, boiling pineapple skin for weight loss can be a great addition to low-calorie diets. It helps in promoting a feeling of fullness and prevents overeating. (source)
- Hydration with a Twist: Hydrating with a cup of pineapple skin tea can be a flavorful alternative to water, making it easier to keep up with your daily fluid intake. (source)
- Natural Detox: The diuretic properties of pineapple skin tea help in flushing out toxins from the body, supporting kidney health and improving overall wellness. (source)
Pineapple skin for skin health
While pineapple skin is often sought after for its potential skin benefits, it's important to approach this with a clear understanding. The key component in pineapple that's linked to skin health is bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. However, there's a catch: bromelain loses its effectiveness when heated.
When exposed to temperatures above 104°F (40°C), bromelain begins to degrade. This means that if you're brewing pineapple skin into a tea, the high temperatures involved in the process will significantly reduce the activity of bromelain. Consequently, while pineapple skin tea has its own set of health benefits, relying on it for skin health might be misleading.
Therefore, if your goal is to harness the skin health benefits of bromelain, it's better to consume it in cooler forms, like fresh pineapple, pineapple water, or chilled pineapple juice. This way, you can ensure that the bromelain retains its properties and effectiveness. Remember, understanding the nature of the ingredients we use is crucial in maximizing their health benefits
Remember, while pineapple skin tea is beneficial, it's essential to clean the skins thoroughly to remove any pesticides or contaminants. Also, moderation is key – enjoy this tea as a part of a balanced diet.
🥢 How to serve
Serve Hot: Enjoy this freshly brewed tea, perfect for those chilly mornings or relaxing evenings. The warmth of it enhances the spicy-sweet aromas, making it a comforting beverage.
Chilled Refreshment: For a cool and rejuvenating option, serve the tea chilled over ice. This is ideal for hot summer days or as an afternoon refresher. The cold temperature brings out a crispness in the tea, making it delightfully invigorating.
Hint: we usually have this drink chilled as a water replacement to have lunch or dinner.
Room Temperature Infusion: Try this tea at room temperature with a twist of lemon or lime. This unique serving method melts the natural flavors seamlessly, offering a different sensory experience. The citrus adds a tangy kick, elevating the tea's complexity.
❓ FAQ
While the core of a pineapple can be used, it imparts a different, less pronounced flavor compared to the skin. The skin is richer in certain nutrients and essential oils that contribute to the tea's unique taste and health benefits.
Yes, Pineapple Peel Tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a perfect choice for any time of day, especially for those who are sensitive to caffeine or looking for a relaxing beverage before bed.
It's possible to reuse the pineapple skin for another batch, but keep in mind that the second batch may have a milder flavor. For best results and to enjoy the full flavor, fresh pineapple skin is recommended.
As always, it's important to consider individual allergies. This tea is generally safe, but if you have specific allergies to any of the ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, or fennel seeds, it's best to avoid them or consult with a healthcare professional.
🥡 Storage
In the Fridge: Once boiled pineapple skin has cooled to room temperature, store it in a jar or an airtight glass container in the fridge. It will remain fresh for up to 5-7 days. To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a saucepan and gently warm it over low heat until it reaches your preferred temperature.
Freezing and Reheating: For extended storage, freeze the tea in a freezer-safe container or in ice cube trays for easy portioning. It can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the tea in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove. You can also heat frozen tea cubes directly over low heat, stirring frequently for even warming.
Meal Prep Option: Making a larger batch allows you to portion the tea into individual servings using jars or containers. This creates a convenient, ready-to-drink option for the week. Store these portions in the fridge or freeze some for a mix of hot and chilled Pineapple Peel Tea ready at your convenience.
Storing Pineapple Skin: If you're not ready to make your Pineapple Peel Tea right away, don't let the pineapple skin go to waste. Freeze it in a ziplock bag to preserve its freshness and nutrients. This way, you can easily make your tea at a later date, ensuring that the pineapple skin is just as flavorful and beneficial as when it was fresh. This is also a great way to reduce food waste and have the key ingredient on hand whenever the craving for this delightful tea arises.
📚 More pineapple recipes
For those who can't get enough of pineapple's unique flavor, our Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie, our pineapple coconut smoothie, and Tofu Rice Bowl are must-tries. The smoothies are a delightful blend of pineapple's tang and blueberries' sweetness and coconut, respectively. Both are perfect for a nutritious start to your day or a refreshing snack.
If you are in a detox program, make sure you also try our detox smoothie, our detox green juice recipe, and this vibrant carrot beetroot detox juice.
On the savory side, the Hawaiian Tofu Bowl combines pineapple's tropical zest with hearty tofu and fresh vegetables, creating a satisfying meal and bursting with flavor.
🧮 Serving size
Each batch of tea typically yields about eight servings, perfect for a small gathering or for a few days of personal enjoyment. Expect a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, offering a unique tea experience with every cup.
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to larger groups or for meal prep. To increase the quantity, simply double or triple the ingredients proportionally. Keep in mind the size of your pot, as you’ll need enough room for the water and ingredients to simmer freely. For smaller servings, halve the ingredients. The tea's flavor profile remains consistent, whether you’re brewing for one or many.
⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!
🎥 Video
📋 Recipe
Pineapple Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple peel and core only
- 1 knob ginger
- 2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 8 cups water
Optional
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the pineapple skin, fennel seeds, ginger slices, and cinnamon stick.
- Boil: Fill the pot with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Strain: After boiling, carefully pour the tea through a colander to remove all the solids.
- Serve: Enjoy your soothing tea, either hot or chilled.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.
Affiliate Disclaimer
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.
As the lead content writer and recipe developer at Our Plant-Based World, he combines his passion for health and sustainability with a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification to create accessible, delicious vegan recipes. His expertise in plant-based cooking supports the blog's mission of fostering a healthier, environmentally conscious lifestyle through simple and seasonal dishes. His commitment to making vegan cooking enjoyable and inclusive for everyone shines in each recipe and article.
Taly
Loved the refreshing twist you brought to a classic beverage. The combination of pineapples and tea was spot on—giving it a delightful tropical vibe without being too overpowering. The simplicity of the recipe made it a breeze to whip up.
Thank you for sharing!
Gustavo De Obaldia
Thanks, Taly! So glad you enjoyed the pineapple tea's tropical twist and found it easy to make. Really appreciate your feedback!