To Peel or Not to Peel Carrots? – Pros & Cons

Should I peel carrots?

Every time I grab carrots to cook, I instinctively take out the peeler and start to peel the skins.

But why and where is this habit coming from? A reflex perhaps?

I guess, you and I picked from our own parents.

But the question we’ll try to answer is: “do you or should you need to peel carrots at all”?

Let’s find out more.

Why should I peel carrots?

Because it is what my mom and grandma did when they were in the kitchen.

During the old times, people didn’t have the knowledge that we have today. If only they knew the health benefits the skin has to offer. Do your parents and/or grandparents do the same?

Is this a necessary step?

Let’s find out.

 Why do some people peel them before cooking and others don’t?

Stainless Steel Carrot Peeler

I sure can understand why some people go for the vegetable peeler and start carrot peeling before cooking them. In my opinion, is a bit more work, but the idea of pesticide residue in the skin may push them to do so.

Do you have to peel carrots?

Not all the time. Some studies revealed that peeling carrots takes the good nutrients away, among other goodness. We don’t know the numbers, but like many other carrot eaters, they enjoy having to peel off the root vegetable.

Is it okay to not peel carrots? Yes.

However, it is advisable to use a vegetable brush under running water to get rid of the dirt.

See below the advantages and disadvantages.

In my opinion, I would follow the expert’s opinions and say no to peeling if they’re organic, but this is a personal opinion. You don’t have to follow me.

When to shave or not the carrot’s skin

Pros:

• Removes dirt, pesticides, and possible wax coating.
• It gives the carrot a “fancier” appearance.
• You can use the peels to feed pet rodents, make a broth, or use them in your compost pile.
• Some winter carrots have a tougher skin, which is removed when peeling.

Cons:

• Reduces the intake of vitamin A, C and niacin.
• Removes some of the phytonutrients which are stored in the skin.
• The more you peel, the less food you have to eat.
• It takes valuable time away from dinner prep.
• Peeling purple skin carrots causes it to look like every other orange carrot.
• The skin makes for a rustic look and is lost when peeled.

Also discover the rainbow carrots, its benefits, and how, where these carrots grow.

Whether you are going to eat your carrots peeled and/or unpeeled, you’ll most likely get the daily recommended vitamins but also a good amount of fiber.

Try to eat them raw, cooked or steamed, and why not use the edible veg in smoothies. If you prefer, a morning or afternoon homemade fresh juices. Up to you if you want to peel carrots before juicing them.

Fresh carrots from the market are very tasty in cakes, soup or snacks, dipped in some hummus.

Overall, I don’t see any real evidence as to why you should peel your carrots. In the future, I will not be peeling mine, but instead, I will give them a good scrub to remove excess dirt.

Be sure to also remove the green leaves before storing, as they will suck all the moisture out of the carrots and make them wilt faster.

Decision time

The winner? 

Will you still trim raw carrots, after reading this post? Up to you, any way.

I know, I will continue to choose: Organic carrots = Not Peeled. Because carrot skin is full of vitamins.
Some people don’t really care about it and just buy/pick the conventional carrots (maybe cheaper) and peel them.

Decide which method (of the above) is better for you, and thanks for reading our post.

Enjoy your carrots! 🙂