Pineapple Skin Tea

don’t toss your pineapple skins!! simmer them instead.

public service announcement!! don’t toss your pineapple skins!! simmer them instead. this tea is a cozy, functional way to use what might’ve ended up in the compost bin.

pineapple skins are rich in bromelain, an enzyme known to support digestion and reduce inflammation. paired with hibiscus (antioxidant-rich, skin supporting), rooibos (naturally calming), and a handful of warming spices, the result is a gently spiced, deeply pink tea that’s as good for your gut as it is over ice in a mocktail.

Pineapple Skin Tea (and a mocktail too)

ingredients:

• skins of 1 pineapple, washed well

• 1 tbsp loose hibiscus tea or 2 hibiscus tea bags

• 1 tbsp rooibos tea or 2 rooibos tea bags

• 2 star anise

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 whole cloves

• 2 cardamom pods, gently crushed

• 6–8 cups water

optional for mocktail:

• honey, to taste

• ice

• hibiscus sugar (just blitz dried hibiscus and mix into some granulated sugar or mix store-bought hibiscus powder with sugar)

method:

1. in a large pot, combine pineapple skins, hibiscus, rooibos, spices, and water.

2. bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes.

3. strain and let cool. serve warm, or refrigerate until cold.

to make the mocktail:

— rim your glass with honey, then dip into hibiscus sugar

— fill with ice and pour over chilled tea. sweeten with more honey if desired.