Peeling is done by which methods?

• A. Scalding the fruit in hot water, steam, or hot lye solutions
• B. Peeling with knives only
• C. Mechanical abrasion
• D. Freezing then thawing

Answer: (A)

Peeling removes the outer skin by loosening or dissolving the bond between the skin and the flesh. The most effective and commonly used ways in processing are scalding in hot water, exposing the fruit or vegetable to steam, or using hot alkaline solutions such as lye. Heat softens the skin and weakens its grip, while the alkaline solution breaks down the binding substances that hold the skin to the underlying tissue, allowing it to come away cleanly without damaging the inner product. Mechanical peeling, like using knives or brushes, is another method but represents a different approach and isn’t what this option emphasizes. Freezing and thawing isn’t a reliable or standard peeling method because it doesn’t consistently separate the skin from the flesh.