How To Use A Vegetable Peeler

What Is A Vegetable Peeler

A vegetable peeler is a kitchen tool that includes a sharp metal blade connected to the handle. It is used to remove the skin or outer layer of some vegetables such as broccoli stalks, carrots, potatoes, and fruits. The peeler’s blade is slotted, and the other side prevents it from cutting deep into the vegetable.

You can also use it to peel off thin shavings through apples, pears, and limes. Its design comes with a soft grip handle where the hand guides as you peel off the skin. This handy kitchen tool is not only used to peel off skins, but you can also use it for shaving chocolate curls, cheese slices and remove celery stalks.

How To Use A Vegetable Peeler

When you use this kitchen tool, it allows you to save time preparing your recipe. It is also not complicated to use, so you are left with little waste. Follow the steps on how to use a vegetable peeler to ensure maximum use and longevity.

• If you apply little pressure to peel fruit or vegetable skin, the peeler will slice thin slices of sweet potato, hard cheese, or cucumber.
• Gently press down the peeler and slide the vegetable or fruit’s full length to peel off the skin. Slowly strip the skin away from your body to prevent cutting your fingers.
• Peelers have a built-in loop to remove uneven strips from root vegetables. You can also use peelers to cut strips for julienne carrots and shoestring fries by pressing down the peeler gently.
• Continue stripping off the skin until it is completely removed. Put a little pressure and effort when removing the vegetable’s top layer. You can increase the pressure to remove thicker skins.
• When you’re finished skinning off the vegetable, it is recommended to hand wash the peeler and never place it inside the dishwasher.
• You should also dry the blade thoroughly to prevent rust build-up.

How To Peel Carrots or Turnips With A Vegetable Peeler

With the leaves and stems tightly in your palm, grip the carrot or turnip’s top, but allow the top portion directly facing you. Place the carrot or turnip at a 45-degree angle so that the kitchen counter catches the peeled skins. Push the vegetable peeler blade against the vegetable until the surface is pierced. Pull down the vegetable peeler against the carrot or turnip’s length.

If the vegetable peeler cuts down the carrot or turnip’s length, the strip of carrot or turnip skin should come off on its own. Remove the outer skin, carefully, if it sticks to the peeler, and discard it. Using the same motion, continue stripping the outer skin off and gently press it down against the carrot or turnip. In a clockwise motion, switch the carrot or turnip as you skin the entire carrot or turnip of its outer layer. Place the peeled carrot or turnip in cold water, and rub your hands over the surface. In warm water, clean the vegetable peeler with a sponge before putting it away, allow the vegetable peeler to dry thoroughly.

Other Uses of Vegetable Peeler

Every household uses a vegetable peeler for slicing the skins off fruits and vegetables. This humble kitchen peeler can do more than a common stripping tool. Aside from knowing how to use a vegetable peeler, there are other ways you can use it to easily prep salads, dessert decor, and snacks:

Shave Cheese Slices
You can use the peeler to slice super thin slices of cheese. You can use them as trimmings for pasta dishes such as zucchini noodle pasta.

Strip Off Citrus Skin
You can use the peeler to strip off a long strand of citrus fruit for a cocktail drink. It will add a citrus flavor to your drinks or use to make lemon candies.

Slice Thin Chocolate Curls
Use the vegetable peeler to slice a thin slice of chocolate to make delicious curls that are great for decorating or topping the cake.

Slice Frozen Butter
Slice off thin sliced of butter so they can melt easily and alternative to your cooking oil.

Remove Celery Stick Skin
Use the peeler to slice off the celery’s skin and remove the fibers. It allows you to cook a crunchy celery stick.

How To Sharpen A Vegetable Peeler

Knowing how to use a vegetable peeler is essential, but it’s also important to learn how to sharpen them. Sharpening the vegetable peeler restores the blade’s edge. Running the tip of a paring knife over the peeler’s edge will achieve its sharpness. Most individuals don’t know when their peeler is starting to get dull. You’ll know how much less resistance peeling off the potato, carrot’s skin, or remove fruits outer layer.

You can sharpen the peeler by applying the same trick to any sharp blade or metal grater. Try sharpening your cheese slicer by using the tip of a sharp blade and a little patience. You can also find affordable, high-quality paring knives to sharpen vegetable peeler. Even if they get dull a little, you won’t mind.