18 Everyday Produce Items You Must Peel or Avoid

9. Pears — Peel to lower residues or wash and trim generously

Peel to reduce residues and remove wax; otherwise wash and trim. Pears often carry surface residues and sometimes receive post-harvest coatings, so peeling is an effective way to reduce exposure. If you prefer not to peel every pear, at least scrub them under running water and wipe with a cloth to remove wax and debris. Pears have a tender flesh that holds up well to peeling, and you can use the peels in baked goods or in compost where available to reclaim some value. For older adults balancing nutrition and effort, peeling a few pears at once and storing them in lemon water can prevent browning and make snack prep quicker later on. Store pears at room temperature to ripen, then transfer to the refrigerator to prolong freshness once they reach the desired softness.

10. Bell Peppers — Peel or char to remove outer layer and reduce residues

Peel if concerned about residues; otherwise wash and core thoroughly. Bell peppers can have residues concentrated on their smooth skin and often receive coatings that washing doesn’t fully remove. One easy kitchen trick is to char the skin on a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin blisters, then place the pepper in a covered bowl to steam briefly—this loosens the skin so it peels away easily, which removes much of the outer residue. If you don’t have that setup, a firm scrub with a produce brush under running water reduces surface materials and keeps most nutrients intact. For older adults who want crisp peppers without extra prep, buying frozen sliced peppers is a low-effort alternative that avoids peeling while still offering the vegetable’s benefits. Store fresh peppers in the crisper for up to a week and use them soon to preserve flavor and texture.