Community Service (KKN) students of the Karangsari Village, Pulosari District, Pemalang Regency, got the attention of the visitors at the stand on the Gelar Karya expo of KKN Team I Diponegoro University Students Academic Year of 2023/2024 (19/2) with the innovation of a Pineapple Peel Tea. One of the products that was produced by PKK women from the Karagsari Village, Pemalang Regency, not only has the appeal of herbal tea but also provides many exceptional health benefits.
Pineapple peel tea is rich in flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which can benefit both the skin and the body and boost the immune system. Besides those health benefits, pineapple peel tea has a few other positive effects. This tea is proven to maintain bone health, as a pain reliever, to lose weight, and more.
At the expo, the Undip KKN students team from the Karangsari Village, Pemalang Regency, stated that this tea is a creative product that comes from pineapple peel waste. By collaborating with local wisdom and environmental care, they not only made a flavorful tea but also became an alternative income source for housewives in the village. Additionally, it increases body metabolism, boosts the immune system, improves digestion, and prevents joint pain and blood clots of the family members. Apart from tea being a refreshing beverage, it is also a healthy choice for families and consumers.
The product’s package uses a pouch zip that effortlessly opens and closes. This package preserves the freshness and aroma of the tea well.
The Undip KKN students at Karangsari Village also provided directions on how to make pineapple peel tea. Two methods can be implemented: dry and wet. In the wet method, the pineapple peel is soaked in salted water for thirty minutes before it is boiled, while the dry method involves drying under direct sunlight for 3 to 7 days. Hence, the dried peel is blended and combined with the tea. It can be served immediately or stored in a tea bag for later consumption.
The team of Undip KKN students provided a healthy and refreshing alternative herbal drink with this innovation while contributing to fruit waste management, which was concluded as junk in hindsight. (HB, GR & DHW/Public Relations)
