Should you peel the lemons or just cut and put lemon in water?

It is generally recommended to peel lemons before putting them in water for consumption. Here are a few reasons why:

Pesticides: The outer skin (peel) of lemons is often treated with pesticides and chemicals to protect them during growth, transportation, and storage. Peeling the lemon removes these potential residues and reduces your exposure to chemicals.

Taste and bitterness: The white pith just beneath the peel of lemons can have a bitter taste. Removing the peel helps eliminate this bitterness and provides a more pleasant flavor when infusing water.

Enhance flavor and aroma: The zest (the outermost colored part) of the lemon peel contains essential oils that provide intense lemon flavor and aroma. While zesting the lemon (removing only the zest without the white pith) is an option to add flavor, peeling the entire lemon allows all the oils and flavors to infuse into the water.

Visual appeal: Peeled lemons create a more visually appealing and refreshing look in your water. Slices or wedges of peeled lemon add a pop of bright yellow color and make the infused water more inviting.

Convenience: Peeling the lemons beforehand makes it more convenient to enjoy lemon water. You can easily grab a slice or wedge of peeled lemon and add it to your water bottle or glass without the hassle of peeling each time.

Remember that peeling the lemons also removes some of the nutrients present in the peel, such as vitamin C and fiber. If you're looking to maximize nutrient intake, you may want to consider zesting the lemon instead of peeling it completely.