Most of us use onions almost every day when cooking meals at home. Whether added to soups, curries, sauces, or salads, onions are a kitchen staple in households around the world. However, while the onion itself is widely appreciated, the peel usually goes straight into the bin without a second thought. What many people do not realise is that onion peels may contain a surprising number of health benefits and practical uses.
Although they may not look particularly useful, onion peels are rich in nutrients and natural plant compounds that can support overall wellbeing. In fact, some studies suggest that the outer layers of the onion contain even higher concentrations of beneficial antioxidants than the inner part we normally eat.
Onion peels are commonly used in natural remedies, particularly in homemade teas. Onion peel tea has long been believed to help soothe sore throats and ease coughs or minor infections. To prepare it, the peels are simply boiled in water and left to steep for several minutes before drinking. While the flavour may not appeal to everyone, many people swear by its soothing and comforting effects.
Another interesting benefit of onion peels is their potential use in hair care. Some people use cooled onion peel water as a rinse for dry or thinning hair. It is thought to help nourish the scalp, encourage healthier hair growth, and improve the overall condition of the hair naturally.
Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, onion peels may also help calm certain skin irritations, including itching or mild rashes. Natural skincare enthusiasts often use onion-based remedies as part of homemade treatments for healthier-looking skin.
In addition to their health benefits, onion peels can also be useful in cooking. Adding them to stocks, soups, or gravies while cooking can give dishes a richer colour without significantly changing the flavour. They can simply be removed before serving.
Instead of viewing onion peels as waste, it may be worth considering how they can be reused in simple and beneficial ways. From supporting health to enhancing meals, these overlooked kitchen scraps have far more value than many people realise.
M&P Engineering has been manufacturing food production, preparation and filling equipment for many years and offers a range of equipment including its onion peeling machines.
M&P Engineering’s Large Onion Peeling Machine uses a dry peeling process, resulting in no waste slurry. It can peel, top and tail onions with diameters between 45mm and 115mm using its self-adjusting floating knife assemblies. The peeler uses compressed air to remove the skin, resulting in optimum end-product appearance.
The large onion peeler has a raw material input rate of 750kg per hour when working at optimum speed but can be adjusted to suit the needs of the processor.
M&P Engineering also have available a range of freshcut machinery, including our Carousel Grid Cutting Machine and our Radish Top & Tailer.
If you would like to find out more information about our products, speak to a member of the team on +44 (0)161 872 8378 or contact us here.