skärka

Skórka is a Polish noun meaning the outer layer or covering of an object. In everyday use it most often refers to the peel of fruits and vegetables or to the skin of people and animals. It can also describe any thin outer layer that protects the interior, such as the outer surface of an object or a coating.

Word origin: derived from skóra, meaning skin, with the diminutive suffix -ka. In standard Polish, skórka is the common non-technical term for the outer layer.

In cooking, skórka may be edible or removed depending on taste and texture. The outer colored layer of citrus fruits is often used as zest; potato skins are eaten by some dishes; apple skins contribute fiber and nutrients. Some peels are bitter or tough, and thick or waxed coatings may be avoided by washing or peeling.

In botany and zoology the outer layer is formed by the epidermis and cuticle in plants, and by skin in animals. The skin protects underlying tissues, prevents water loss, and helps defend against pathogens. In fruits and vegetables, the skin can influence texture, flavor, and storage life, and its removal or retention is a matter of culinary choice and food safety.