Q&A for How to Decide Whether or Not to Peel Potatoes

You can, but boiled potatoes are usually more flavorful and nutritious if you leave the peels on. It’s best to use potatoes with a waxy peel, such as Yukon Gold, fingerling, or red skin potatoes.

No, Yukon Golds have a smooth, tasty peel that is easy to clean. There’s no need to peel them unless you just prefer the taste and texture of the potatoes without peels.

Boil the potatoes for 15-30 minutes, or until they’re tender. When they’re done, use tongs to quickly transfer them into an ice bath. Let them sit for 3 minutes, then remove them from the ice bath. You’ll be able to slide the skins right off with your fingers.

I wouldn't. The peel adds some nutrients to the dish and gives the little rounds a nice border.

Yes. Potatoes need to be soft and mushy for this. You do not want potato skin in a silky soup.

Your best bet is to get a standard vegetable peeler and carefully run it along the potato's biggest side. Do this over a clean surface, like a table, so you don't drop the potato onto the floor, into the garbage, etc. Be careful handling the peeler, as the blade is quite sharp. Continue running the blade down each side until the skin is gone. When you have a completely bare potato, rinse it under some water, and you are done. Washing it before is certainly an option, but because you are getting rid of the skin anyway, there is really no point in a pre-wash.

Russet potatoes are not really good for salads. Waxy potatoes are better to use.

Most recipes call for peeled potatoes, but some like to use the peel. It's all based on your preference or who you're cooking for.

Yes, you can peel them the same as you would peel regular potatoes.

That's a matter of taste. Most people will leave the skin on red potatoes, since they look just the same as white/yellow potatoes otherwise. Why not try both and see which you prefer? Also, remember the nutrients are most concentrated just under the skin, so leaving the peel on is the healthier option.

Yes, potato dishes can be made without the skins and are still just as delicious. You can boil, steam, mash, fry and bake potatoes without using the skins and still enjoy them just as much.