Are the cucumber skins good, bad, or indifferent for you? I've made salads both ways and the skins don't really add or take away a lot from the taste. Why should I peel the cucumbers or not peel them?
2007-02-27 10:16:36 · 9 answers · asked by Motikem 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
It's just preference with most. The hard skin of cucumbers is high in fiber and contains the minerals silica, potassium and magnesium. Again we must visit the organic and waxed issues again. If the cucumber is organic, there is no need to peel the skin. If the cucumber has been waxed then you will want to peel it.
Want to know more about to peel or not to peel visit this article -- http://cbs2.com/optimumwellness/local_story_325213531.html
2007-02-27 10:31:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The skin can sometimes be a bit bitter and some people have a harder time digesting skins on fruits and vegetable. I peel my cucumber and run a fork lenghtwise about 1/4 in. into the cucumber all around it and it is supposed to help take out bitterness and it's pretty when you slice it for salad or dips.
2007-02-27 10:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by luh 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having the skins on or off a cucumber is truly a moot point --healthwise -- provided the skins are washed well, of course, as with any veggie.
For a less formal setting, leave the skins on. For a formal setting, I'd take them off. My favorite, however, is when someone peels stripes lengthwise on the cucumber and then slices it in thin round slices: you get cucumber slices that have stripes. They look like some poker chips! This makes a fun salad for poker night, and any other informal to semiformal setting.
2007-02-27 10:24:57 · answer #3 · answered by thejanith 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The skin can be a little tough for some people.
If you want a fancy look take a potato peeler and peel strips down the length of the cucumber. When you cut it into rings you will have a "pinstriped" look on the cucumber slices. Very pleasing to the eye and the skin isn't as overpowering when it isn't completly in tact.
2007-02-27 10:24:35 · answer #4 · answered by sickys3 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Peeling the skins from cucumbers is also supposed to make them more "burpless" for those who have that reaction to cucumbers ... cucumbers also be more likely to stimulate acid reflux, but not sure about that (or maybe burpless is just a euphemism for acid reflux). "English" cucumbers --the longer and skinner ones which are individually wrapped in plastic-- are supposed to be "burpless" even with the skins on.
As for salads, I think it may be mostly aesthetics, as well as making them a bit easier to eat since the skin is tougher than the soft inside.
Diane B.
2007-02-27 11:48:59 · answer #5 · answered by Diane B. 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most times it is peeled because the skin has been waxed. If it is left on it is usually only done to add color. Other than that it is left off because it can be tough. Some chefs remove the seeds as well since they can cause you to have upset stomach.
2007-02-27 10:25:51 · answer #6 · answered by Sue L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are usually peeled for decoration. Most restaurants peel only a few sides, not the whole thing. That was it looks kind of like a wheel. Just decoration.
2007-02-27 10:22:35 · answer #7 · answered by GP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say just personal preference.
It is good for you.
The cucumber skin has Vitamin A and Vitamin C and folic acid but it adds a slight bitter taste.
2007-02-27 10:28:29 · answer #8 · answered by amber_ul 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its usually what people like. my mom likes the skin off cuz it is bitter with the skin. but her friend likes the skin cuz it tastes "good" *cough cough*
2007-02-27 10:26:30 · answer #9 · answered by Lolly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋