why peel potatos before they are boiled?

Question

It is possible to buy washed potatos; on the face of it there seems to be no reason to peel them . I think I have read a lot of the nutritional value is contained in the skin.

Answer 1

The skin is suppose to be the best part of the potato.Now a days there covered in chemicals thats why I peel them.

Answer 2

I hardly every peel my potatoes. There is a nutritional value in the skin, but I don't know what it is. It's very common in the south to leave the skin on for mashed potatoes. I do this for roasted potatoes too. A lot of restaurants do this. Not only does it save time, but you get that added nutrition.

Just an added thought.. if the potato has any green on the skin, peel that part away or it will taste awful.

Answer 3

Peeling or not peeling depends on the type of potato and the dish you are making. If you are making boiled parsley potatoes, then you need to peel them. If you are making mashed potatoes with reds or yukons, you dont need to peel but if you are making mashed with russets, its a good idea not a necessity to peel them. Most of the nutritional value in all fruits and vegetables is near the skin, so by peeling you do lose some of that.

Answer 4

You're right, most of the vitamins and minerals are contained in the skin, so as long as they're scrubbed, there's no reason to peel them. Some potatoes have thicker skin so they wouldn't taste as nice if they were boiled and mashed with the skin on, but for thin-skinned potatoes , I never peel them. I don't peel any for roasting, baking, etc.

Answer 5

You aren't supposed to peel the potatoes, if you do you take out all of the stuff that is actually good for you and only eat the bad part, all of the nutrients are just under the peel, most people peel the potatoes because they don't like to eat them, just as some people refuse to eat the skin off of an apple and peel it.

Answer 6

You don't have to peel them first. All potatoes are washed, but not very thoroughly. There are no large clumps of dirt on them, but if you boil them without washing them yourself first, you'll notice a brown sediment/gritty dirt on the bottom of your pan when they're done cooking. You don't want to eat that, do you? I always boil mine with the skin on. Just make sure you have a good, stiff vegetable brush and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold, running water.

Answer 7

As long as they are washed before boiling, there is no reason why new potatoes should not be boiled in their skins.
We find the best way is to preboil the water, and then place the spuds carefully in the water, and carry on boiling for 20 mins. Always works. With a knob of butter. Yum Yum!
If you have a microwave, try a steam bag. They are very effective!

Answer 8

Yes, you can buy washed potatoes and use without peeling but it depends how u want to cook them. The skins do have goodness in them but don't taste too good if you want to mash the potato! Leave skins on for baking, roasting and boiling

Answer 9

In the South, people often leave the skin on . Red skin mashed potratoes are excellent. I've noticed that they are offered now in the dry potato mixes at the grocery stote. A popular appetizer here is fried potato skins. I've never made them, but they are very good. I make stew in the winter. I just scrub the potates well and slice for the stew.

Answer 10

You are correct in saying that there is nutrition in the skin. I routinely, wash my potatoes thoroughly, boil them in the skins, and then carefully remove the skins before mashing, etc.. Many times, I will eat the potatoes, skin, and all (red potatoes are yummy this way). You get so many more nutrients that way.

Answer 11

Scrub red skin potatoes well and leave peels on for redskin mashed popos! I add garlic cloves to the water when I boil them, the garlic gets soft and then I mash them all together.
The only time I peel potatoes for mashing is when I am having a holiday dinner. I think people expect them to creamy and free of lumps, but if you don't mind it then leave the skin on.