Wanting to have good food for your meals means spending more time in the kitchen. And while it is enjoyable to do, there are specific cooking chores required to do that could make it a laborious process–-one of which is peeling fruits and vegetables.
Have you noticed how, after peeling fruit, you’re left with only a small part of it? Or sometimes, when you’re gliding an ordinary knife over the fruit’s surface, it results in a smushy outcome. Well, your peeling skills may not be the problem here. You may want to check the kitchen tool you’re using if it is made for the given situation.
Ordinary kitchen knives are commonly used when someone wants to cut, mince, and peel fruits, vegetables or ingredients. As you may know, it is an indispensable tool in the kitchen. While they may be good alternatives, using knives just carry out different results, especially when you’re not a pro at it.
For most of us, a specialized peeler would be beneficial in achieving perfect peeling results–it’s called a serrated peeler. Serrated peelers are peelers with small ridges or teeth-like edges on their blades that leave tiny grooves on the surface of the fruit. They are typically in swivel or y-shaped forms and have ergonomically designed handles for a better and much more comfortable grip.
One of the most common questions that come up when talking about serrated peelers is regarding the purpose of the little teeth on the peeling performance. But why is it really necessary, you may ask? Let’s delve into this by reading further.
Purpose of the Ridges of a Serrated Peeler
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As has been said, a serrated peeler has a series of ridges on the edge of its blade. To better understand its purpose, let’s identify its two main parts.
The first one is the point–points are the tips of the ridges. They are prominent and sharp. The second part is the distance between these points, which, like the points, are also sharp.
These two parts are designed for different parts of the cutting process. The ridges or the “teeth” breaks the outer surface while the rest of the blade follows through.
Benefits of Using Serrated Peelers
Now that you’re aware of the purpose of the ridges on the blade of a serrated peeler. It’s time that we get into detail about the benefits.
Ideal for Cutting through Tough Skins
Anyone who tried peeling a, say, for example, pumpkin with a regular paring knife or a straight-edged peeler may attest to the struggles of doing it. These tools tend to simply slide on the surface of some fruits and vegetables, especially those that are tough-skinned.
When you use a serrated peeler, there will be no pressure to do such tasks. Its serrated edges will allow you to break through the hard surface and add extra grip to the blade to peel the skin off easily.
You could enjoy your pumpkin with less hassle and much faster.
Perfect for Cutting through Soft Skins
We believe almost everyone has their fair share of stories regarding their struggles of peeling a tomato, right? You have tried almost every hack, including the boil-and-shock method, yet you still sometimes end up with a smushed tomato in the end. The surface is just so soft that it’s hard to peel properly.
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However, by using serrated peelers, your smushy tomato nightmares will finally come to an end. Just like how it functions with tough-skinned fruits and vegetables, the ridges of a serrated peeler break through the smooth surface of the tomato, allowing for a firm hold as it completely peels off the skin.
Moreover, the skin comes off in thin swaths, meaning no flesh will be wasted.
Aside from tomatoes, serrated peelers also work best on peaches, plums, kiwis, and apricots.
Reduces Wasted Produce
In connection with the first two benefits, using serrated peelers also lessens wasted produce. When peeling is done wrongly, a lot of fruit flesh goes to waste. So, technically, you’re not just wasting food, but you will also be wasting your money in the process.
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Make the most out of your fruit and vegetable purchases by using the right kind of peeler.
No Constant Sharpening Needed
Unlike straight-edged peelers that tend to go dull after several uses, serrated peelers can last long without constant sharpening. This is due to the fact that they are not put through the same demanding tasks as straight peelers, and their ridges do most of the hard work.
Purchasing a serrated peeler and using it based on its specific purpose can actually limit the usage of your straight-edged peelers, which will further save you from needing to sharpen. In other words, when you have another peeler for your tomatoes and other soft or hard-skinned fruits and vegetables, you won’t necessarily have to use one peeler for all your peeling needs.
Can be an Alternative for Zesting
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Are there no citrus peelers available? Try using serrated peelers. The use of serrated peelers can go beyond simply peeling because they can also be an alternative to zesting a lime for your cocktails. They can easily take off wide strips with no bitter white pith attached.
Can be an Alternative for Grater
Want to top your desserts with chocolate curls but no graters in sight? Serrated peelers can be your alternative. Just make sure to chill your chocolate and peeler before you start for better results. Then start to stroke your peeler on the edge of the chocolate to create the perfect curls. Repeat until you are satisfied with the outcome.
Safer than Knives
When peeling fruits or vegetables using knives, there is always a risk of getting cut since we’re openly exposed to its blade. On the other hand, serrated peelers, and peelers in general, are deemed safer to use when peeling because they are designed to reduce the exposure of our fingers and hands to the blade.
There you go! May these benefits serve as your guiding light in ensuring you get the right kind of peeler for your needs, specifically quality serrated peelers for your kitchen.
Peeling, in general, is a laborious process. However, with the right kind of tool, you can finish this chore faster than you can imagine. Just always put in mind to go by the safety rules all the time. As safe as they are, peelers can still cause harm when used improperly.
Our article about Understanding How to Pick the Right Peeler for the Job may also help you decide on the types of peelers to use for certain tasks.