Persons who write recipes are obsessed with peeling fruits and vegetab

7 years ago

I assume it is for health, sanitation, appearance but I wonder?

Here is my backstory, the genesis of my question. As a kid on a remote farm we were often tasked with harvesting. Apple, peaches, tomatoes, even carrots would get a tentative rub against a shirtsleeve and and eaten raw outside while harvesting. Once inside the adult would wash them carefully and then carefully peel them. Often as a kid I had to peel potatoes. Then I went to college and a nearby restaurant was proudly selling potato skins and I began to wonder.

Is there more than just sanitation? Appearance, tradition something I have not thought of?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

digdirt2
7 years ago
Texture of the end product.

Besides the sanitary benefits - the basis for the recommendation to peel - that a really good scrubbing can reduce or eliminate, in many cases it is texture issue. Leaving the skins on often results in a chewy, tough, even lumpy texture in some things that many find undesirable..

If chewy bits of tomato skin in your sauce don't bother you and lumpy applesauce with bits of skin is okay then you can always ignore the guidelines and skip the peeling as long as you insure the good scrubbing.

Personally I have tried it with applesauce and canning potatoes. Don't care for the confetti appearance of the applesauce or the chewy bits. With potatoes leaving small ones unpeeled when canned means they look unappealing in the jar and the skins are like chewing bubble gum.

Dave
tbenjr
7 years ago
I really dislike slipping skins off of tomatoes prior to processing them in sauce. I simply simmer whole tomatoes until soft, and then use a hand/stick blender on them right in the pot. I enjoy the texture of my sauce, including all the seeds, and the skins, which if well blended are not discernible to my palate.

The only thing I skin prior to processing are beets.
Related Discussions
obsessive compulsions
Q
Comments (6)
When I go to nurseries or Garden Centers, I deadhead and pull weeds out of pots. It bugs me! I also weed my family member's flowerbeds or containers in front of businesses when I am visiting them or walking down the street. I also "rescue" plants thrown by the wayside or facing a bulldozer. Poor things! Lowe's lets me rescue all their trimmings, too. I ask and they always say "Sure! Take 'em!" The deadheading really bugs some people though. BTW, those pears make delicious Pear Butter, and Pear Mincemeat too. Both are much tastier than apple, IMHO. Raccoons got all my pears last week. They were small on account of the drought, but there were plenty of them and I was sure looking forward to making them into Pear Butter. Oh, well. The wildlife needed it more than I did this year, I guess. Lucky you to get the fruit! (And...if anyone wants my recipe for either, I will post it/them in a new topic.) It might be Obsessive/Compulsive, but I think most gardeners do things like that. As long as you aren't overstepping your boundaries, I wouldn't worry about it. :) ~Annie
...See More
Does anyone know the history of peeling potatoes?
Q
Comments (33)
I read a book recently, fictional characters based on a factual story, about the deprivations and ordeals suffered by people on the British island of Guernsey during the German occupation in World War 2. The book is called The Guernsey and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer. Apparently, food shortages on the island were so acute, that people used the potato peelings to form the base of a potato pie - instead of pastry. An interesting concept and innovation! And on the subject of green potatoes - it is a myth that cutting off the green bits will make the potato safe to eat. On the contrary - the toxic chemicals actually permeate the entire potato. So a potato with even a small green patch on it, or a sprout, is poisonous to eat. Whether it kills you or makes you ill is in the lap of the gods, and depends on just how much poison you've ingested. Best way to deal with it is to plant it - that way you get free fresh potatoes further down the track!!
...See More
Cookalong #1 --------------------- GINGER
Q
Comments (2)
I have to go to work...will try to work on this from there...or when I get home. Nancy
...See More
Do You Have A Recipe to Share?
Q
Comments (27)
My mother used to make this on days too hot for much stove cooking. Garden Tomato Stuffed with June Pea Shrimp Salad 1 can Le Seur Early Peas, drained (in the silver foil label) 3-4 chopped hard boiled eggs 1/4 to 1/2 c chopped or mini shrimp cooked in salted water 1/2 c diced celery 1/4 c chopped pecans Dressing 1 c mayonaise 1/3 c Del Monte brand only Sweet Pickle Relish 1/2 tsp prepared mustard 1/2 tsp paprika Mix dressing in a small bowl. Mix other ingredients in a larger bowl and add enough dressing to moisten ingredients to your taste. Slice a garden fresh tomato into wedges, place in a circle on a plate and fill the center with a cup of the salad. Voila.
...See More
nancyjane_gardener
7 years ago
My kids' pediatritian 30 some years ago loved that we grew our veges and didn't peel them!

He also loved that my kids played in the dirt and got natural bacteria rolling in their bodies!

Hated antibacterial stuff cause of the bug-free stuff that couldn't be killed by antibiotics!

DID think vaccines were important! Nancy
digdirt2
7 years ago
The issues only arise when canning those foods. It is what happens to it if sealed in a vacuum or in a non-acidic solution. Scrub a carrot and eat it raw peel and all - no problem. Scrub it and cook it peel and all - no problem.

Take that same unpeeled carrot and can it and unless it is pressure canned just right you created a near perfect growth environment for any pathogenic bacteria that peel may have retained to survive and get toxic.

I am not saying you MUST peel although that is what the guidelines recommend. I'm only saying if you do not peel then you have somewhat more risk to compensate for.

Dave

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Call: What’s Cooking in Your Kitchen?

By Stacy Briscoe

Most of us turn to recipes, videos and culinary shows when we cook. Where do you set your cookbook, tablet or TV screen?

Full Story

113

KITCHEN DESIGN Create Your Own Checklist for a Well-Stocked Kitchen

By Laura Gaskill

Personalize the kitchen with your own must-haves from our list of top cooking tools, small appliances, pots, pans and more

Full Story

107

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Salvage Finds and DIY Love in Rhode Island

By Rikki Snyder

A Providence couple layers on meaningful mementos and hands-on style for a personalized interior palette

Full Story

HEALTHY HOME 12 Ways to Set Up Your Kitchen for Healthy Eating

By Becky Harris

Making smart food choices is easier when your kitchen is part of your support team

Full Story

122

KITCHEN DESIGN Displaying Kitchen Supplies — Hot or Not?

By Lisa Frederick

Do some kitchens just beg for a cozy row of canisters and gear for all to see? Have a look and let us know what you think

Full Story

121

KITCHEN DESIGN Spring Clean Your Kitchen

By Vanessa Brunner

Scour our 15 ways to ditch the dirt and get rid of the gunk, leaving your kitchen spick and span in time for spring

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Call: Tell Us About Your First Kitchen

By Becky Harris

Great or godforsaken? Ragtag or refined? We want to hear about your younger self’s cooking space

Full Story

101

FALL AND THANKSGIVING 8 Creative Accents to Set Your Holiday Table Apart

By Corynne Pless

Give fall meals flair with decorations and serving pieces you make — or make better — yourself

Full Story

By Mitchell Parker

In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better

Full Story

141

DECLUTTERING Foolproof Ways to Declutter Your Kitchen

By Kat Bern

If you find yourself fumbling through cupboards to find what you’re looking for, it’s time to take action with these simple steps

Full Story

176

Persons who write recipes are obsessed with peeling fruits and vegetab

Comments (4)

digdirt2

tbenjr

Related Discussions

nancyjane_gardener

digdirt2

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US