Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
updated Aug 17, 2022
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Have you spent most of your life peeling carrots before cooking or eating them just because that’s what you’ve seen other people do, so you followed suit? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
When it comes down to it, you don’t ever really have to peel carrots. As long as you wash and scrub them well to remove dirt and any debris (this natural fruit and veggie wash is a good start!), unpeeled carrots are perfectly safe (and delicious) to eat. Here are five instances that prove it.
Not everyone is in favor of unpeeled carrots. Some people don’t like the taste of carrot skin and say it has an unpleasant, bitter taste. Also, unpeeled carrots aren’t exactly the most visually appealing vegetable, especially if they’re being used in an uncooked recipe like salad.
The question, then, of whether to peel or not to peel really depends on how you plan to use your carrots.
1. When they’re used for making stock.
We’ve often used straight-up carrot peels for making stock, so if you’re using chopped carrots, there’s definitely no need to peel these root vegetables. And once the stock is finished simmering, they get strained out anyway.
2. When they’re being juiced.
If you’re juicing, you want to get every last drop of nutrients out of this root veggie, and that includes all the good stuff packed in and just under the skin.
3. Anytime the carrots get puréed.
Whether making velvety soup, dip, or simply carrot purée, no one will be the wiser that the carrots weren’t peeled before cooking.
4. When they’re in a hearty stew.
When they’re mixed with tender chunks of meat for a hearty beef stew, vegetables, and luxurious sauce, you can go ahead and skip peeling the carrots. Give them a good scrub, cut them into chunks, and get cooking.
5. When they’re roasted.
Once your carrots have spent plenty of time getting good and roasted in the oven, you’ll be too preoccupied with the rich, roasted flavor to notice the outer skin.
Do you peel carrots, or do you skip this step?
