Vegetable Peelers

Although fruits and vegetables are delicious, their preparation is not nearly as enjoyable. Although the skin plays a vital role in preserving their nutrients, it does not add to their flavor. Imagine how unappealing it would be to eat pinapple with its shell. To make fruits and vegetables more enjoyable you have to peel it! Vegetable peelers are the important kitchen-ware that comes to our rescue to save our time and energy.

The Vegetable Peeler is a kitchen utensil designed to peel away the outer skin of vegetables. Vegetable peelers come in many designs and are made from a variety of materials. The design and the material of the blade need to be such that it does not peel away the fruit/vegetable along with the skin.

Vegetable Peeler History

In the absence of this vital kitchen tool, people used all sorts of supplementary equipments, particularly the knife. Many delicacies were cooked with the skins of vegetables on them to avoid the hassle of removing them. Today, people hardly find time to prepare meals, nevermind the time consuming task of peeling vegetables. Many do not get adequate nutrients and benefits that fruits and vegetables provide.

Types of Vegetable Peelers

The best peelers have a swivel-action blade that conforms to the contour of the vegetable being peeled, thereby cutting away a minimum of skin. Vegetable Peelers aid in saving a lot of time, money and energy making the preparation of the delicacies simpler and a more enjoyable activity.

Vegetable Peelers come in different forms and sizes. They are made of different materials to improve the feel and look of the product. The blades of the Vegetable Peelers are also designed in different styles, sizes, shapes and curvatures. It is done so, to ensure better performance and also increasing the choice for the customers.

The first thing that a buyer should look when shopping for a Vegetable Peeler is a wide, durable blade. Serrated blades are good for tough outer skins of squash and sweet potatoes. You also want a peeler that features a no-slip handle, which will prevent the peeler from slipping from your hand. There happen to be over 500 models of patented peelers. Broadly classified, there are 3 basic types of peelers, which are generally used to peel the vegetables and even fruits.

LANCASHIRE PEELER

Lancashire peeler is a peeler in which the blade is extended from the handle. The vegetable is held with one hand and the peeler with the other. The blade is dragged on the vegetable/fruit towards you when peeling. This is a very basic model that can be used on fruits/vegetable with tender skins. However it is not as efficient on thicker, harder skin.

Y PEELER

The Y peeler, or the yoke peeler, looks and operates like a razor. As opposed to the Lancashire Peeler, you push it away instead of towards your body when peeling. Although, pushing is more difficult than pulling, it reduces the friction that it meets on the surface of the fruit/vegetable.

“Australian” Vegetable Peeler

The third peeler has no official name; it has originated from Australia, so it might be a bit more difficult to find in other parts of the world. It is sometimes called as Dalson Classic Aussie Peeler. Its blade is partially rotating so it peels the skin of potatoes and vegetables relatively quickly.

BUYING A VEGETABLE PEELER

Buying a Vegetable Peeler is confusing because there are so many designs and varieties. Material that is used for the handle is a vital component that needs to be considered when buying any type of peeler. Wood handles are porous and prone to bacteria, which may cause allergies and infections. Peelers with metal handles are common; however they can dig into hands making it uncomfortable especially if there is a larger pile of vegetables or fruits to be peeled. Moreover, they rust when as they are washed on a regular basis. Plastic handles would be a better choice for anyone shopping for a vegetable peeler, as they are the most hygienic and comfortable to use.

COST OF VEGETABLE PEELERS

One can buy a Vegetable/Fruit Peeler with the cost ranging from $1.00 to a few hundred dollars. It depends on the material used, capabilities of the peeler and the number of tasks that can be performed by a single device. However, a basic home peeler can be purchased for less than $20. It is not advisable to go for an expensive one for basic home cooking requirements.

Vegetable Peeler Care and Safety

Keep it out of reach of children. It is advisable to use safety gloves when using peelers. Wash the peelers well with luke-warm water and wipe its handle and blade with a dry cloth. Place the peeler in a standing position with its blade facing the roof, probably with a lid on it, to protect the blade from corrosion and damage.

Nowadays the inventors have taken it a step further. There are electric peelers that peel, zest, and grind. Some are strictly specialized for a certain type of vegetable or fruit, while others are more general in its usage. However there is no denying that peelers, even the common variety ones, come in handy in every day preparation of meals. So the idea of peeling using the Vegetable peeler is appealing.