Vegetables supply the body with important and sometimes vital nutrients. For that reason, many people eat vegetables on a daily basis. However, getting vegetables ready for cooking can be quite a hustle, especially if a knife is your only choice of tool or when you’re in a rush.
Fortunately, with many tools available today, such as a vegetable peeler, preparing your vegetables can now become a breeze. A vegetable peeler is an effective tool that will certainly make your cooking time be cut down by a significant amount.
Most people nowadays run a busy schedule, so they usually don’t have the time to spend too long on lengthy kitchen procedures. Peeling vegetables usually takes a lot of effort using the knife alone, but thankfully, with a well-designed and sharp peeler, less time is used peeling vegetables.
If you enjoy doing your own cooking, then there are many different designs you can find on the market. In this article, you will learn the common types of peelers and their uses to help you pick the right one.
Swivel Peeler
The Swivel Peeler is a simple, yet common type. It features a plastic handle and a two-sided blade that is sharp and narrow. Its name comes from the blade that can swivel from side to side, which is based on the paring direction. This free movement easily conforms to the contours on your vegetable, so this peeler is very easy to use.
With the Swivel Peeler, you will have an easy time peeling vegetables with tough skin. Like many others on the market, this type also features an eye at its tip. The eye remover is a function that you can use to get rid of potato eyes. It is also helpful in removing stubborn crevices. Conveniently, the blade is replaceable in some Swivel Peelers, making it a lasting tool.
Lancashire Peeler
The Lancashire is a straight peeler that resembles the swivel, except that the blade remains in place. If you find that the Swivel is somewhat unwieldy, the Lancashire is a perfect alternative, particularly if you prefer just peeling.
This type of peeler is very suitable for skinning potatoes, turnips, and zucchinis. You can also use it for grating cheese, such as parmesan and cheddar. It can even be used for shaving bars of chocolate. Unfortunately, the Lancashire design tends to favor right-handed people, so it can’t always be used by anyone.
Y Peeler
The Y Peeler receives its name from the shape of its frame, similar to how the Swivel Peeler got its name because of its moving blades. Unlike the Lancashire that favors right-handed users, both right and left-handed people can use the Y Peeler. That being said, if you have not used this peeler before, you might find it a little tough to use. It also might take some time to get used to as the blades are fixed in place.
This peeler features a wide handle for a secure and comfortable grip. As a result, it feels easy and comfortable to peel your vegetables. In addition, most Y Peelers come with an eye remover to help you get rid of those potato eyes.
Julienne Peeler
This peeler is designed for people who enjoy whipping soups, stews, salads, garnishes, and coleslaws. If this is something you enjoy preparing, then the Julienne Peeler is a must have in your kitchen.
Not only does it create fine vegetable shreds from zucchinis and carrots, but it can also extract lemon, lime, and citrus zest. This is the best tool for people who wish to replace regular pasta with veggie pasta, as this peeler creates long and thin strips because of its serrated blade.
Speed Peeler
As its name implies, this peeler is meant to help you achieve quick but methodical paring. Although the Speed Peeler is Y-shaped, its unique blade is the reason it is better than most other Y Peelers and is its difference in comparison. With this peeler, you are not limited to paring vegetables. You can also grate or shave cheese as well.
It is the right peeler when you have a lot of food to grate, shave, or peel within a short time, so perfect for people who want quick meals.
Mechanical Peeler
If you have a hard time holding large vegetables or you have an injury in your hand, the Mechanical Peeler makes a perfect alternative.
This device is a crank-operated peeler that skins your vegetables in a single rotary motion of its handle. As you turn the handle, the peel comes off in one long strip. Most Mechanical Peelers have a corer so that you can anchor the device onto any surface in the kitchen.
Things to Look for in a Vegetable Peeler
The Durability
Now that you know the types of vegetable peelers, you will agree that it makes little sense having to replace them regularly. In fact, the last thing you want is your peeler breaking apart when you are fixing dinner for the family.
Peelers will obviously not last forever, but it does help to find one that will stick around for a while. So, finding a durable model that is also affordable is a great factor to consider.
The Design
In the context of a peeler, the design does not imply what your peeler looks like or the brand that it bears. In this case, design implies the construction of the frame. Is your preferred peeler designed in a manner that makes it easy for you to use?
When looking for a peeler, ensure that it can do what it advertises. Otherwise, you might end up buying the wrong peeler that doesn’t fulfill your intended use for it. This would only cause you to spend more time in the kitchen and have you run to the shops to buy another one.
The Blade
Peeler blades can be made from different materials, including ceramic, carbon-steel, and stainless-steel. Most people prefer stainless-steel blades. If you tend to be clumsy in the kitchen, stay away from the ceramic type.
Once this material is dropped, it is easily shattered. The carbon-steel may not be an ideal choice either, as it tends to rust if it is not kept dry after each use.
Summary
Peelers come in different designs and configurations, so finding one that works requires a bit of research. Alternatively, going through reviews such as this article can make your work easy.
Here are listed the different kinds of peelers. Each one is unique and suited for almost everyone. So, nothing, not even hand dominance, should stop you from finding a peeler that works for you.
Leave a Reply