Should You Peel Zucchini Before Adding It To Bread Batter?

Zucchini bread is a sweet and delicious quick bread with a consistency similar to a muffin. Zucchini is an essential ingredient not only for the texture it adds but also for the moisture the shredded vegetable lends to the batter. According to WebMD, one cup of zucchini is made up of 95% water. This makes for an extra moist batter and a very tender bake. 

Even better, the taste of the zucchini is virtually undetectable in zucchini bread, making it an excellent way to sneak nutrients into a picky eater's diet without them even noticing. When it comes to making your own zucchini bread, one question that often arises is whether or not you should peel the zucchini before adding it to the batter. While prepping your zucchini with and without the skin will lead to delicious results, you might be surprised to find the hidden benefits of leaving the skin on.

If you're looking to squeeze the most nutrients out of your zucchini, you'll want to keep your veggies unpeeled. Most of the nutrients (including fiber and vitamin C) are found in the zucchini's skin (via Livestrong). This translates to health benefits in every bite of your zucchini bread. With most of the inside being water, leaving the skin on is also the best way to incorporate the zucchini's true flavor, according to King Arthur Baking. Though it might not be very noticeable, you'll have a better shot at tasting zucchini if the skin stays on.

On the other hand, King Arthur Baking continues that some home bakers may choose to peel their zucchinis before adding them to batters. This is a good strategy if you find zucchini's taste, texture, or even color offputting.

Either method of prepping your zucchini is perfectly safe. Remember that whether or not you choose not to peel the skin, it's important to ensure you wash the peel thoroughly to remove any dirt and bacteria (via CDC).