Should I peel turmeric?
I want to know whether there is any need to peel the skin of turmeric from a palatability, taste, food safety or hygiene standpoint? Is there any relevant nutrient content, above that of the turmeric flesh, in what is discarded after peeling?
Best Answer
To address a few points:
- palatability, taste
There's not much taste to the "skin." As with ginger, it's more of a texture thing. For larger/more mature pieces, the skin can be thicker and perhaps create more of a texture contrast. I think most people tend to peel it, but it's not strictly necessary.
- food safety or hygiene
No significant food safety issue. Hygiene is about the same as any root/rhizome vegetable. That is to say: anything in the dirt will likely be on the skin, so if you don't want to eat the dirt (and what may be in it), scrub well or peel. If you are concerned about possible pesticides or something else in the dirt, peeling is likely efficient for removing any on the exterior.
As for nutrition, after a few searches, I haven't found good information that implies any significantly different nutrients in the skin.
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Do you need to peel turmeric skin?
The peel has to be removed only to due to hygiene and food safety. You can also wash it thoroughly and use without peeling. However, the peel does not have any specific benefits.Is it necessary to peel turmeric root?
Like ginger, it's best to peel turmeric before adding it to your recipes. Depending on the size and shape of the root, you can use a vegetable peeler, knife or even a spoon to scrape off the peel. Although it's advised to peel turmeric, there's no real reason why turmeric peel can't be eaten.How to store turmeric and ginger
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