How many times have you wondered if peeling is necessary? fruit and vegetables before consuming them? Many of us do it out of habit, but is it really essential?
Let’s find out together when it is advisable to remove the peel and when it is preferable to leave it, so as not to lose valuables nutrients and fully enjoy our favorite foods.
The peel of many fruits and vegetables is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre e antioxidants. These essential nutrients contribute to the proper functioning of our body and help us stay healthy.
By removing the peel, we risk losing a considerable part of these beneficial substances.
Let’s take for example the mela: its peel contains 50% more vitamin C compared to the pulp. Even the peel of potatoes and rich in fibre, potassium e vitamin C.
In short, in many cases the peel is a real concentrate of nutrients!
When is it best to peel
However, there are some situations in which it is advisable to remove the peel from fruit and vegetables:
- When it is not edible, as in the case of banana, pineapple o melons;
- When it is treated with pesticides or other chemical products, especially if it does not come from organic cultivation;
- When it is damaged or moldy, to avoid ingesting potentially contaminated parts.
In these cases, it is preferable to remove the peel to protect our health and enjoy the fruit or vegetable in complete safety.
How to consume the peel in a tasty way
If you decide to consume fruit and vegetable peels, be sure to wash them carefully under running water to remove any residues of soil or chemicals. You can then use it in creative and appetizing ways, for example:
- Grating the peel of lemon o orange to flavor desserts, salads or herbal teas;
- Blending the peel of mela o pera to obtain tasty smoothies rich in fibre;
- Using the peel of zuchinis o carrots to prepare crunchy and tasty chips.
In short, with a little imagination and creativity, you can enjoy fruit and vegetable peels in many different ways and fully appreciate their benefits for your health.
To peel or not to peel? The answer depends on the type of fruit or vegetable and your personal needs.
In general, it is preferable to consume the peel when possible, so as not to lose precious nutrients and to fully enjoy our favorite foods.
However, remember to always wash it carefully and discard it when it is not edible or potentially contaminated.
And you, are you used to eating the peel of fruit and vegetables? Have you discovered any tricks to make it even tastier? Share your experiences in the comments!
