When to Remove Peels

by Monique
(Canada)

Q Which vegetables and fruits are recommended to remove the peel before juicing or eating?

A For juicing, citrus peels except for lemon and lime. Mango and papaya skins, which can irritate or burn the skin of some sensitive people. I juice melon rinds, but don’t eat them. And conventionally grown fruits and veggies, definitely the “dirty dozen”, those with the highest pesticide residue listed below. This list changes on occasion, but in mid 2013 this is it:

1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Grapes
4. Celery
5. Peaches
6. Spinach
7. Sweet Bell Peppers
8. Nectarines- imported
9. Cucumbers
10. Potatoes
11. Cherry Tomatoes
12. Hot Peppers

I recommend eating organic, or at least pesticide free. Many small farmers in California grow organic, but don’t certify due to the expense. And of course homegrown is best. You grow it, know how it was grown, and eat it fresh.

I try to leave skins/peels on as much of my produce as I can because many of the nutrients are there.