Grandma's garlic peel trick: From kitchen waste to plant savior

Our grandmothers practiced zero waste in the kitchen long before the concept became fashionable. Mustard jars were turned into glasses, peels landed in compost, and many grandmothers could conjure a delicious soup from vegetable scraps. Garlic peels often end up in the trash, but wasting their untapped potential is a shame. See how you can use them in your kitchen.

You would hardly find spoiled fruits and vegetables in the basket at my grandmother's. Instead, garlic peels found their way there, and it's a trick worth applying in your kitchen. Antioxidants in garlic peels slow down oxidation processes, which leads to longer freshness of stored products. It's a simple and effective way to reduce food waste and use what seems like useless waste.

Garlic peels can also be helpful for houseplant enthusiasts. Are you struggling with aphids, spider mites, or other pests on your plants? Gather several peels, pour hot water over them, and set aside for 4-5 days. After that time, strain the infusion through a sieve. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle and spray it on the plants and soil in the pots. Repeat the process several times a week. Garlic and onion peels contain sulfur compounds that repel insects. Regular spraying of plants with this natural remedy creates a protective barrier, shielding them from pests.

Garlic itself is a well-known remedy for illnesses — surely many have needed to drink milk with this addition. For fall ailments, the peels alone can also be effective. Simply heat some garlic peels on a dry skillet. By inhaling the aromatic vapors, you provide your body with natural support in fighting infections. It's a natural way to boost your immunity and clear nasal passages.