An agitator for a product peel removal system, the agitator comprising: a central axle having a plurality of outwardly projecting arms； and a product lifter at the distal end of at least one of said outwardly projecting arms； and an apparatus for product peel removal comprising: a drum having an inlet for receiving product, an outlet for dispensing of product； and a plurality of perforations through which removed peel may pass； at least one agitator arranged within said drum and rotatable relative to said drum for agitating the product passing between said inlet and outlet； and means for controlling the retention time of product within the rotatable drum independently from the rotation speed of the agitator.
