Save your pineapple scraps and turn them into this easy Pineapple Skin Tea. It’s light, naturally sweet, and softly spiced with ginger and cinnamon. Refreshing over ice or soothing warm. No refined sugars, hydrating and may support digestion. A great way to use up something that would otherwise have gone in the trash.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-waste and sustainable: Uses parts of the pineapple you’d usually toss, so nothing goes to waste.
- Hydrating and digestion-friendly: Naturally hydrating and may support digestion. Pineapple contains a natural enzyme called bromelain, though only a small amount remains after simmering. Some people swear by its health properties – you can read more about bromelain on Medical News Today. Ginger and lemon add their own gentle digestive benefits and a bright, soothing flavor. Perfect if you’re a bit under the weather.
- Surprisingly flavorful: Lightly sweet, spiced, and citrusy with tropical flavor.
- Cozy or refreshing: Serve it warm on chillier days or pour it over ice when it’s hot out – it works both ways.
- Feels like a hidden gem: A unique recipe that’s both nourishing and a fun conversation starter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is easy, refreshing, and full of flavor. You’ll find all the measurements and details in the recipe card below. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- Pineapple skins and core
- Fresh ginger
- Ground cinnamon
- Whole cloves (optional)
- Water
- Maple syrup or agave
- Lemon or calamansi juice (optional)
Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Pineapple Skin Tea. Check the recipe card below for all the exact measurements and details.
Step One: Wash the pineapple skins and core thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.
Step Two: Add the skins, core, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and water to a large pot.
Step Three: Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently. In the final minutes of simmering, stir in the sweetener and citrus juice.
Step Four: Turn off the heat and let the tea steep so the flavors continue to develop.
Step Five: Strain the liquid into a jar or pitcher. Serve warm or chilled over ice.
Substitutions & Variations
This tea is super flexible, and there are plenty of ways to tweak it depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re in the mood for.
- Maple syrup can be swapped for agave, honey (if not vegan), or even a splash of apple juice for a lighter sweetness.
- Ground ginger works in place of fresh if that’s all you’ve got—just use a light hand and adjust to taste.
- Cloves are optional – they add warmth, but the tea still turns out beautifully without them.
- A pinch of cayenne or a few peppercorns can bring gentle heat, which is especially nice if you’re drinking it warm.
- Cinnamon sticks or turmeric root can be added during simmering for a little anti-inflammatory boost.
- Orange or lime peels simmered with the pineapple skins create a more citrus-forward tea.
- Serve chilled over ice with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint for a super refreshing twist.
Storage
Once the tea has cooled, pour it into a jar, pitcher, or any airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. It tastes great cold, or you can gently reheat a cup on the stove or in the microwave when you want something warm and cozy. Give it a quick stir or shake before serving, especially if the spices have settled at the bottom.
Expert Tips
Slicing ginger thinly increases the surface area, which helps release more of its natural oils and sharp, warming flavor into the tea as it simmers.
FAQ
Yes! Just be sure to wash them really well before using as they can be coated in pesticides. Scrub if needed to remove dirt or waxy residue. I recommend using organic pineapple for this since you’re steeping the skins directly in water.
The riper, the better! A ripe pineapple will give you sweeter, more flavorful skins. If it’s underripe, the tea may turn out more tart – but you can always balance it with a little extra sweetener or citrus.
It’s lightly fruity and citrusy with warm spice notes – think tropical herbal tea with a cozy twist. Not overly sweet, just super refreshing and soothing.
More Drink Recipes
If you loved this, you might also enjoy Beet Juice Blend, its earthy, vibrant, and naturally energizing; next is my Watermelon Slushie, its very refreshing and perfect for hot days; or try my Tropical Smoothie if you want a creamy, fruity classic option.
Hope you enjoy this Pineapple Skin Tea as much as I do. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below, share it with a friend, or tag me on Instagram @glowdiaries___ so I can see your beautiful cup of tea. 💛
Pineapple Skin Tea
Ingredients
- 1 ripe pineapple skins and core well washed
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger sliced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4-5 whole cloves optional
- 6-8 cups water
- 1-2 tbsp maple syrup or agave adjust to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon or calamansi optional, for brightness
Instructions
- Wash the pineapple skins and core thoroughly. Scrub if needed to remove dirt.
- In a large pot, combine the pineapple skins and core, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Let it simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- In the last 5 minutes of simmering, stir in the maple syrup and lemon juice. Let them heat through to infuse the tea fully.
- Turn off the heat and let steep for another 10–15 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a jar or pitcher.
- Enjoy warm, or chill in the fridge and serve over ice.
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