Do you have to peel eggplant before cook it?

You don't have to peel eggplant before cooking it, but there are some reasons you might choose to:

When to peel eggplant:

* If the skin is tough: Older or larger eggplants can have thick, tough skin that can be unpleasant to eat. Peeling helps make it more palatable.

* For certain recipes: Some dishes, like baba ghanoush, benefit from a smooth texture that peeling provides.

* If you're concerned about bitterness: The skin of some varieties can be slightly bitter. Peeling can minimize this.

When you don't need to peel:

* If the skin is thin and tender: Smaller, younger eggplants often have delicate skin that cooks down well and is perfectly edible.

* For recipes that benefit from the skin: Some dishes, like eggplant parmesan, utilize the flavor and texture of the skin.

Tips for peeling eggplant:

* Use a vegetable peeler: This is the easiest and quickest method.

* Salt the eggplant: Salting the eggplant before peeling helps draw out some of the bitterness and makes it easier to peel.

Ultimately, peeling eggplant is a matter of personal preference and recipe requirements. Experiment to find what works best for you!