Tips

The Itch-Free Guide to Peeling Sweet Potatoes

"Say goodbye to itchy hands with these handy tips when peeling taro! Now you can comfortably prepare delicious dishes using taro without worrying about skin irritation."

Administrator

6 August, 2024

Sweet potatoes are a popular choice for many due to their delicious taste and high nutritional value. This type of potato is known for its digestive benefits and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. However, some people are hesitant to cook with sweet potatoes because they fear the itching sensation that can occur when peeling them.

Tips to Avoid Itching When Peeling Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain calcium oxalate, which exists in the form of small crystals. These crystals can cause irritation and itching when they come into contact with the skin, especially sensitive areas. To avoid itching when peeling sweet potatoes, consider the following tips during preparation.

Keep Your Hands Dry

The simplest way to avoid itching when peeling sweet potatoes is to ensure your hands are completely dry beforehand. After purchasing sweet potatoes, do not wash them, and make sure to thoroughly dry your hands before starting to peel.

Tips to avoid itching when peeling sweet potatoes will give you peace of mind when preparing this dish. (Image: Lorca.vn)

Wear Gloves

Wearing gloves is a simple and effective way to avoid itching. Gloves not only protect your skin from direct contact with oxalate crystals but also keep your hands cleaner during cooking. You can use either rubber or nylon gloves, whichever you prefer and find more convenient.

Soak Sweet Potatoes in Salted Water

Soaking sweet potatoes in salted water before peeling is a folk remedy that helps reduce itching. The salt helps dissolve some of the oxalate crystals on the surface of the potatoes, thereby reducing the risk of skin irritation.

Simply dissolve a small amount of salt in water and soak the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes before peeling.

Use Vinegar or Lemon

Both vinegar and lemon juice have acidic properties that help neutralize oxalate on the surface of sweet potatoes. Dilute vinegar or lemon juice with water and soak the sweet potatoes in this solution for about 10-15 minutes. This method not only reduces itching but also helps the potatoes retain their beautiful white color after peeling.

Parboil the Sweet Potatoes Before Peeling

Add about two teaspoons of salt to a liter of water and place the sweet potatoes in a pot. Boil the water and once it starts to bubble, remove the potatoes, and rinse them under cold water to cool them down before peeling. The heat breaks down the irritant in the potatoes, eliminating the itching sensation.

Use Cooking Oil

Before peeling sweet potatoes, you can apply a thin layer of cooking oil to your hands. The oil creates a protective barrier, preventing direct contact between the oxalate crystals and your skin. After peeling, simply wash your hands with soap and water to remove the oil and any remaining crystals.

Tips for Treating Itchy Hands After Peeling Sweet Potatoes

If your hands start itching after peeling sweet potatoes, try the following remedies:

Hold Your Hands Over a Flame

The itching-causing substances in sweet potatoes are heat-sensitive. Holding your hands over a flame for a few minutes can provide relief. However, exercise caution to avoid burning yourself. Hover your hands over the flame for about a minute, ensuring both sides of your hands are exposed to the heat, and you should feel better.

Use Vinegar or Lemon

To alleviate the uncomfortable itching sensation, mix two tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice with two liters of water and soak your hands in this solution. Wait for about 3-5 minutes, and the itching should subside.

Precautions When Using Sweet Potatoes

Keep the following in mind to avoid any unwanted effects of sweet potatoes:

– Discard any rotten or sprouted parts to prevent food poisoning.

– Do not peel the potatoes too thickly, as this will remove a significant amount of protein from the skin.

– Since sweet potatoes contain irritants, individuals with sensitive skin should wear gloves when peeling to prevent skin irritation.

– When preparing sweet potatoes, make sure to soak and cook them thoroughly to reduce the levels of calcium oxalate.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

Sweet potatoes contain an organic compound called sporamin, which can cause an itchy sensation when it comes into contact with the skin. This compound is a defense mechanism against insects and pathogens.

There are several methods to try: wear gloves, peel them under running water, or blanch them before peeling. You can also use a spoon to scoop out the flesh instead of peeling.

Peeling sweet potatoes removes the skin, which contains most of the oxalates and cyanide-producing compounds. It also makes the sweet potato softer and easier to cook.

Yes, you can simply wash and scrub the sweet potato skin instead of peeling it. The skin is edible and contains many nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and vitamin A.

Peeled sweet potatoes can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container or plastic bag. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months.