To Peel -- or Not to Peel?

[marshall1704]

Fruits and vegetables that it's okay to ditch the skin

By Pat Carolan

Kids aren't usually keen on fruit and vegetable skins. Is it okay to pitch the peel? We asked Christine Sergent, nutrition team coordinator at Cornell University:

Apple

Don't peel. An apple with its peel provides almost twice as much fiber, 50 percent more vitamin A, and 25 percent more potassium as one without it. (Just wash the apple first.)

Cucumber

Peel. Most of the cuke's fiber comes from the seeds, and you won't lose too much potassium, either. That hard-to-wash-off waxy coating is there mainly to slow down ripening.

Carrot

Peel. The texture of unpeeled carrots can be a turnoff, and peeling won't cost you much potassium, vitamin A, or fiber.

Peach

Don't peel. The flesh and the skin are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. If the fuzz is a deal breaker, try nectarines, which have the same nutrients and fiber.

Parenting, September 2007

Peeling Fruits and Vegetables for Kids | Children | Ages & Stages: Parenting

 

[gween]

I always peel vegetables. But not fruits (I will forget. I peel also the rind of oranges).

 

[Aprill]

thanks for posting, I always peel

 

[princessmich]

Although i knew the benefits of eating fruits with their skins....i admit, i'm a peeler..LOL