I don't know if it's the skin or not. I've never tried peeling them. I do know my wife made red beans & rice once about 6 or 7 years ago and she simmered it for so long the red bell peppers were no longer visible. I had no idea she put them in there, and when I ate it, a short while later I was in such bad pain I contemplated whether I was having a heart attack. I just stay away from the bastards now.