This pineapple skin tea is a no-waste recipe that turns pineapple peels into a caffeine-free herbal tea with ginger and cinnamon—refreshing served hot or iced.
Next, try my calming herbal teas, my hot or iced hibiscus tea recipe, or these green tea recipes from my matcha guide.
There’s something calming about tossing pineapple peels, ginger, and cinnamon into a pot and letting it all simmer away. Before long, the whole house smells tropical and spicy.
I love when food gets fully used, nothing wasted. Beet greens in juice, broccoli stems in stir-fry, veggie scraps in broth—it all adds up.
This pineapple peel tea is one of those simple, no-waste recipes that feels grounding and nourishing. And it ties right into holistic health and Blue Zones wisdom, using the whole plant, staying hydrated, and making room for small daily rituals of peace.
Jump to:
What is Pineapple Skin Tea?
Pineapple skin tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea made by simmering the peels, and often the core, of a pineapple with spices like ginger and cinnamon.
It’s a cherished tradition in many cultures, including Jamaica, parts of Latin America, and Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for a no-waste ritual that turns kitchen scraps into something delicious, this is it.
Much like Cuachalalate Tea, a traditional tea made from tree bark, it’s another example of turning “throwaway” parts into something deeply nourishing.
Why This Recipe Works
- Full flavor, no waste: Simmering pineapple peels and core draws out natural sweetness, nutrients, and gentle enzymes — nothing goes to waste.
- Simple and soothing: Ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric add warmth.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices or sweetness to fit your taste, the season, or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy pineapple tea recipe:
- Cinnamon stick – or ground cinnamon
- Turmeric – Or a small knob of fresh turmeric
- Sweetener (optional) – Maple syrup, coconut sugar, or if not vegan, honey
See the recipe card for quantities.
Variations
- Spice it up: Try star anise, cloves, orange peel, or a pinch of black pepper for deeper warmth. If you love warming, spiced drinks as much as I do, also try my pumpkin chai tea latte.
- For color/tartness: Add a few hibiscus petals.
- Splash of milk: Add a splash of oat milk (or any plant milk) and a drizzle of maple syrup. So good!
- Citrus: Any fresh citrus you have on hand to add at the end.
Expert Tips
- Wash well: Always scrub the pineapple skin thoroughly. If your pineapple isn't organic, soak the skins in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for 10-15 minutes before using. Rinse well.
- Simmer gently: Keep the heat low — this draws out the flavor without bitterness.
- Taste as you go: Pineapple varies in sweetness. Taste before adding any sweetener.
- Strain: Use a fine-mesh strainer for the smoothest tea.
- Absorption: When using turmeric, toss in a pinch of black pepper to help your body absorb its benefits.
How to make Pineapple Tea
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Wash the pineapple, then peel and core it. Place the skin and core in a large pot along with the fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, and any other spices you like. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove from heat, strain, sweeten to taste, and enjoy your tea hot or chilled.
Serving ideas
- My favorite way is to pour (hot or cold) pineapple skin tea into a mug or tall glass with ice, add a splash of oat milk or my homemade cashew milk, and sweeten with a little maple syrup. It's creamy and so good!
- Use leftovers in tropical smoothies, homemade popsicles, or as an oatmeal base.
- Serve with a vegan oat bran muffin or a slice of my vegan chocolate chip banana bread.
Benefits
- Vitamin C: Pineapple is rich in Vitamin C.
- Hydration: Pineapple skin tea is naturally caffeine-free and hydrating, making it a gentle alternative to caffeinated drinks.
- Anti-inflammatory spices: Ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce mild discomfort or bloating.
- No added sugar (unless you choose): You control the sweetness — enjoy as-is or add a natural sweetener if you like.
If you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, or have allergies to pineapple or any spices used, always consult your doctor before enjoying this tea.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store your cooled pineapple skin tea in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the fridge for 5–7 days.
- Freeze: Pour tea into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers — it keeps for up to 2 months
Leftover pineapple ideas: Use the leftover pineapple in pineapple aguas frescas, juice it in this sweet potato juice recipe, or dip it in a vegan fruit dip!
Pineapple Skin Tea FAQs
Absolutely! The core has the most enzymes and gives a gentle sweetness.
It’s generally safe, but if you’re pregnant, on blood thinners, or have allergies, check with your doctor.
Some, yes. Bromelain, the natural enzyme in pineapple, begins to break down around 158°F and won’t remain active once the tea is boiled. Even so, pineapple skin tea is rich in flavor and offers vitamin C from the fruit and benefits from soothing spices like ginger and cinnamon.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! 💛
📖 Recipe
Easy Pineapple Skin Tea (Hot or Iced)
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple, skin and core only, thoroughly washed
- 1-2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick, or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, or a small knob of fresh turmeric
- 6-8 cups water, enough to cover ingredients
- maple syrup or coconut sugar, to taste, optional
- 1 splash oat milk, optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Wash & Prep: Scrub pineapple with a veggie brush, or soak skins in 1 cup vinegar + 3 cups water for 10–15 minutes, then rinse well.
- Cut Peel & Core: With a sharp knife, cut the peel and core. Set aside the fruit itself to enjoy fresh (or freeze for a smoothie).
- Add to Pot: Add the pineapple skin and core, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and any optional add-ins (see Notes) to a large pot.
- Cover & Simmer: Pour in enough water to cover, about 6–8 cups. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 45–60 minutes, stirring now and then to let the flavors infuse.
- Strain & Serve: Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer or nut milk bag to strain. If you'd like, sweeten with maple syrup or coconut sugar. Sip it hot or with ice. Finish with a splash of oat milk for a creamy twist. Enjoy!
Notes
- Star anise
- Cloves
- Black pepper – to activate the turmeric
- Orange, lemon, or lime slices
Nutrition
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and mom of nine who's been plant-based for over 20 years. She's cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and can't vacation without her juicer and pasta pot. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, and other major outlets. She helps others simplify wellness and feel good again through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter.
Julie Gaeta says
Such a simple way to feel good from the inside out. Try it with creamy oat milk and a drizzle of maple syrup— it's so good!