The Importance of Peeling Carrots | Cook's Illustrated (2024)

FAQs

Why is it important to peel carrots? ›

That's likely because carrot skins can turn bitter and dry when they're cooked. For some, the flavor difference is barely noticeable, but for others, the earthiness is a complete turn-off. Carrots' glossy exteriors may also turn dusty and dry in the heat of an oven.

Because a carrot's skin isn't as thick as other root vegetables (like potatoes) or winter squashes, carrots are perfectly safe and delicious to eat without peeling so long as they are properly cleaned. When it comes down to it, peeling carrots or keeping the skin on is a matter of personal preference.

Removal of similar levels of Salmonella from carrots was accomplished by peeling and by brushing, but significantly greater removal of E. coli O157:H7 from carrots was accomplished by peeling than by brushing under running water (P < 0.05).

Furthermore, some ingredients like pears, carrots, and ginger have thin skins that the juicer can easily remove without getting clogged. With these facts in mind, you can save time and preparation by juicing your ingredients with the peels on.

Peels may contain pesticides

Washing is a good way to get rid of pesticide residues that are loosely attached to the peel's surface. However, peeling is the best way to remove pesticides that have seeped into fruit and vegetable skin ( 21 ).

Peeling fruits and vegetables can have several benefits. For one, it removes any dirt or debris that may be on the surface, which can reduce the risk of foodborne illness. It can also remove any pesticides or herbicides that may have been used during cultivation.

There are some good culinary reasons to peel. "The peel does have a slightly different texture from the rest of the carrot, so it may stand out in a recipe, depending on the application," Hilowitz says. "Some varieties have skin that may be tougher, grittier, or more bitter than the rest of the carrot," he adds.

Raw, unpeeled carrots can be stored between three and four weeks in the refrigerator, and peeled or cut carrots will last two to three weeks.

Unfortunately, there are some vegetables you really should peel. These include vegetables with very tough or fibrous skin (think "bark-like") that won't soften when roasted. Examples of these vegetables: celeriac, kabocha squash, and pie pumpkins.

The fiber in carrots (and any high-fiber vegetables, actually) acts like a natural vacuum cleaner in your gastrointestinal tract, picking up debris as it runs through your body. Carrots can also help keep gut cells healthy, supporting a decreased risk of illness and improving your health overall.

What do carrots detox? ›

Detoxes endotoxins

Carrots are root vegetables that contain unique fibers that attach themselves to endotoxins, bacteria and estrogen. After eating a raw carrot a day for a few days, the balance can shift away from high endotoxins, high cortisol and estrogen. It is a great way to detox endotoxins from the body.

The peel of carrots has the highest concentration of several nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin), and phytonutrients. There is no need to peel your carrots, however, you can do so if the skin is really filthy or has been damaged.

You'll have to store your carrots in the refrigerator, but how you store them can actually make a difference. Raw carrots, when properly stored will usually stay fresh for around 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge. If your carrots are sliced or chopped, you can store them in the fridge and they'll last for about 2 to 3 weeks.

As with many vegetables, roasting carrots brings out their sweet inner nature. Peel the carrots or don't peel the carrots—it's up to you. Peeling takes a bit more time, obviously, but also leads to a more consistent final texture to the dish.

The peel of carrots has the highest concentration of several nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin), and phytonutrients. There is no need to peel your carrots, however, you can do so if the skin is really filthy or has been damaged.

If you've heard the rumors that carrot tops are poisonous (and even deadly) it's understandable as to why you'd toss them. But these rumors are just that — rumors. Carrot greens and tops are not poisonous, and they are most certainly edible.

Eating carrots in moderation is good for your health. Eating carrots in excess, however, can cause a condition called carotenemia. This refers to yellowish discoloration of the skin because of the deposition of a substance called beta-carotene that is present in carrots.

Make sure you remove all the dirt. Peel the carrots, depending on your tastes. Removing the tough outer layer of the carrot with a vegetable peeler makes it more tender, but it also takes away some of the carrot's nutrients and flavor.