One of the most thoughtful ways to use these skins is by simmering them into a restorative tea or “infusion.” This liquid gold can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other dishes.

How to Prepare It
Collect and Clean: Save the dry, papery outer layers from organic onions. Give them a quick rinse in a colander to remove any garden dust.

The Gentle Simmer: Place a handful of skins into a pot with two cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Strain: The water will turn a beautiful, deep amber color. Strain out the skins and discard them (they’ve given all their goodness to the water!).

Enjoy: Sip the warm infusion as a savory tea, perhaps with a pinch of sea salt.

Three More Brilliant Uses for Onion Skins
If you aren’t fond of the taste of the tea, there are several other ways to bring this “waste” back into your home:

A Secret Soup Base: Keep a jar of dried skins in your pantry. Whenever you are boiling water for rice, grains, or a vegetable soup, toss a few skins in. They add a magnificent golden color and a subtle depth of flavor that makes a simple meal feel like a feast.

A Natural Hair Rinse: For those with darker hair tones, a cooled infusion of onion skins makes a wonderful final rinse after washing. It adds a natural, healthy-looking shine and richness to your hair without any harsh chemicals.

Garden Nutrition: If you prefer not to ingest them, you can soak onion skins in a jar of water for 24 hours. Use this “onion water” to give your indoor plants a boost of minerals—they will thank you for the extra care!

A Note of Care
Always ensure your onion skins are free from any dark spots or mold before using them. By keeping them dry and stored in a breathable paper bag, you’ll have a constant supply of this natural treasure.