Peeled

Peeled is the past participle form of peel and is used as an adjective to describe something that has had its outer layer removed. The term is widely applied across contexts where a rind, skin, or husk is intentionally or unintentionally removed from an item.

In food preparation, peeling is a common processing step for fruits and vegetables. Peeling can be done by hand with a knife, with a vegetable peeler, or by mechanical equipment in commercial settings. Examples include peeled potatoes for mashing, peeled apples or pears for pies, and peeled citrus fruits when the zest is not desired. The choice to peel can affect texture, flavor, and cooking time, and sometimes peels are reserved for stock, preserves, or garnishes rather than direct consumption.

Nutritional considerations vary with peeling. Many peels contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, so removing the peel can reduce certain nutrients. In some recipes, retaining the peel is preferred for texture and nutrition, while in others the peel is removed to improve tenderness or appearance. Some culinary traditions also specifically call for peeled ingredients.

In dermatology and cosmetics, a peel (often termed a chemical peel) is a procedure that removes the outer layers of skin using acids or enzymes. The result is freshly exposed skin that may peel or shed in the days following treatment. Peeling in this context is intentional and typically supervised by professionals, with considerations for skin type, treatment depth, and recovery time.

Other uses include the general notion of removing a rind or outer layer from non-food items or packaging, where peeling describes the state of having the outer material removed.