The Power in the Peel: What to Do With Leftover Potato Skins

At Hida Dream House, we believe in using the whole ingredient — not just out of thrift, but out of reverence. The potato, that humble, grounding staple of kitchens across the world, gives us sustenance, comfort, and history.

But what about the parts we usually discard?
The skins — so often scraped, tossed, forgotten — hold more than we think.

Potato peels are rich in potassium, vitamin C, iron, fibre, and natural starches. They’ve been used in folk remedies, traditional cooking, and old-world garden practices. When honoured instead of wasted, they can nourish body, soil, and even spirit.

Here are 7 beautiful, practical ways to give potato peels a second life.

1. Crispy Potato Peel Chips

Roast them — don’t toss them.

How to:
Toss fresh, clean peels in olive oil, sea salt, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Spread on a baking tray and roast at 200°C (400°F) until golden and crisp.

Enjoy as a zero-waste snack, soup topper, or side dish with stews.

✨ Tip: Always use organic potatoes and scrub them well before peeling.

2. Add to Soup Stock or Broth

Potato peels add body and depth to homemade broth — just like onion skins or carrot tops.

How to:
Freeze peels in a container until ready.
Simmer with other vegetable scraps, garlic, herbs, and water for 30–45 minutes.
Strain and use the broth for soups, stews, grains, or sauces.

This is how our grandmothers stretched meals through the leaner months.

3. Feed the Soil

Peels are rich in potassium — a key nutrient for root and flower development.

How to:
Tear or chop peels into smaller pieces.
Toss them into your compost bin, or layer directly under mulch in your garden beds.
For a nutrient boost, mix with dried nettles or herb trimmings.

Just avoid using peels that are green or sprouting — more on that below.

4. Make a Fertiliser “Tea” for Plants

A gentle, potassium-rich tonic for your garden.

How to:
Place clean peels in a jar or bucket and fill with water.
Let steep for 2–3 days, then strain.
Use the liquid to water leafy greens, tomatoes, or flowering plants.

This is a folk remedy your great-grandmother would have known by heart.

5. Try a Potato Peel Poultice (Folk Remedy)

Potato peels have long been used as natural wraps to soothe irritated skin.

How to:
Clean the peel thoroughly and place the moist inside on the affected area.
Wrap gently with gauze or cloth.
Leave for 15–20 minutes.

Helpful for:

• Mild sunburn

• Puffy eyes

• Tired skin

🌼 Always patch test first. Not for use on open wounds.

6. Natural Shine for Metal

Need to shine up dull silverware? Try a potato peel.

How to:
Rub the inner side of a raw peel on tarnished cutlery or pans.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth, then buff with a soft towel.
It’s gentle, non-toxic, and surprisingly effective.

7. Mulch for Roses or Root Vegetables

Layered beneath the soil, potato skins break down quickly and retain moisture.

How to:
Dry the peels slightly or use semi-composted ones.
Place them beneath rose bushes, brassicas, or squash plants.
They nourish the soil with soft starches and trace minerals.

A Note on Green or Sprouted Peels

If your potatoes have turned green or heavily sprouted, they may contain solanine — a natural toxin.

Avoid using these peels in food or directly in the garden.

✔️ Instead:
Add them to hot compost (above 55°C), which can break down toxins.
Or dispose of them responsibly.

Nothing Wasted, Everything Honoured

The potato peel is a reminder — that nourishment doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s in the scraps, the simmered skins, the quiet ways we make use of what others throw away.

So the next time you prepare mash, roasted wedges, or potato soup — pause.
Keep the peels.
Crisp them. Steep them. Feed the soil.
And thank the earth for every layer.