Should you peel carrots before eating them? Here’s what experts say

If you have a bag of carrots in your produce drawer, you may ask yourself, “Do I really have to peel carrots before I eat them?” We asked the experts.

Key Takeaways

• Carrots don’t need peeling if washed or scrubbed, but peeling may improve texture or remove bitterness in some cases.
• Peeling is ideal for smooth purees or uniform textures, while leaving the peel on works well for rustic dishes and roasting.
• Both peeled and unpeeled carrots are nutritious, versatile, and eco-friendly, offering fiber, potassium, and beta carotene.

Carrots are one of the easiest vegetables to keep on hand—crunchy, versatile, long-lasting, and available already peeled if you want to skip the prep. But what about that bag of unpeeled carrots stashed in your produce drawer? Do you actually need to peel those carrots before eating them, or can you just give them a good scrub and dig in? We asked a produce expert and our own Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen Director to weigh in, so you’ll know whether peeling is worth the effort—or just an extra step between you and the USDA’s daily fruit and veggie goal.

Meet the Experts

• Alan Hilowitz was the communications director at Bolthouse Farms.
• Lynn Blanchard is the director of the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchen.

Do You Have to Peel Carrots?

“There is no need to peel carrots before eating—many people enjoy eating them with the skin on,” says Alan Hilowitz of Bolthouse Farms. However, he also notes that since they are grown in the ground, washing or scrubbing your carrots is important if you choose not to peel them. Of course, washing your produce is always recommended to reduce the risk of illness and exposure to pesticides, so hopefully, this advice is already familiar.

Tips

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Why Peel Carrots?

Although it’s safe to skip the carrot peeler, there are strong 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.

“Steaming or certain raw applications may be better peeled,” says Hilowitz. “If you are going for a uniform visual look and texture, we suggest peeling.”

Lynn Blanchard, BHG Test Kitchen director, agrees that scrubbing is often sufficient, but there are cases when peeled carrots are best. For example, if you want a smooth puree for a soup or baby food, then peeling is the way to go, Blanchard says.

When to Skip Peeling Carrots

“Juicing and roasting carrots are good times to avoid peeling,” says Hilowitz. “If you are making a rustic dish, then leaving the peel on could potentially enhance the look and experience of the dish. If you are using the carrots for a sauce, broth, or a stock that will require straining in the end, this is another instance in which it may be better to leave the peel on.”

Blanchard sometimes decides whether to peel carrots based on their exterior. “If [the carrot] is smooth and can easily be scrubbed, then I don’t bother to peel if using in a soup or stir fry,” she says. She also notes the eco-savvy bonus to skipping the peel: it reduces food waste.

In most cases, answering the question, “Do you have to peel carrots?” is mostly a matter of preference. Either way, you’ll still get all the nutritional benefits. Carrots—both peeled and unpeeled—are packed with fiber, potassium, and the antioxidant beta carotene. Your body then converts beta carotene to vitamin A, supporting both vision and immune health.

Tip

If you decide to peel your carrots, don’t put the peels in the garbage disposal. They can cause clogs. Instead, peel directly into a trash can or add the peels to your compost.

What to Make With Carrots

The beauty of carrots is in their versatility. Peeled or unpeeled, they shine in countless recipes, from stews and side dishes to salads and desserts. A hearty butternut squash and carrot soup, for example, is a simple, vitamin A-rich way to boost your veggie intake.

You can also grill carrots, ribbon them, or toss them in a rich cream sauce à la Julia Child. Roasted carrots make an effortless side, and their green tops can be blended into a flavorful pesto. And, of course, don’t miss our Best Loved Carrot Cake, complete with cream cheese frosting, or give tradition a twist with our popular Ginger Carrot Cake.

No matter how you enjoy them, carrots are a delicious, nutritious addition to any meal, bringing color, flavor, and a little extra health to every plate.

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens