How to Use This Strange Tool in Your Kitchen: Unlock Its Hidden Potential
Every kitchen has at least one mysterious gadget that leaves you scratching your head. You know the one: shiny, oddly shaped, and seemingly pointless—until you discover its true purpose. That “strange tool” might just become your new favorite helper once you know how to use it properly.
Here’s a guide to identifying it and putting it to good use.
Step 1: Identify the Tool
Before you can use it, you need to know what it is. Strange kitchen tools often include:
- Avocado slicers – with curved blades and pitting spikes
- Garlic presses – compact, with a perforated chamber
- Zesters or microplanes – long and thin, with tiny grating holes
- Apple corers or melon ballers – hollow, scoop-like ends
Check for markings or shapes that hint at its intended function. Sometimes, even online image searches can reveal the mystery tool’s name in seconds.
Step 2: Understand Its Purpose
Most mysterious tools are designed to save time, reduce effort, or improve presentation. For example:
- Garlic presses crush cloves quickly, extracting maximum flavor without getting your hands sticky.
- Avocado slicers pit, slice, and scoop in one motion, making breakfast prep faster.
- Zesters add a touch of citrus zest to dishes without the bitter pith.
- Apple corers remove cores cleanly, perfect for pies or snacks.
Knowing its purpose helps you use it safely and effectively.
Step 3: Learn the Technique
Once you know the tool’s function, follow a few simple techniques for best results:
Garlic Press
- Peel garlic cloves.
- Place clove inside chamber.
- Press handles together firmly.
- Scrape off excess garlic with a small knife or spatula.
Avocado Slicer
- Cut avocado in half.
- Twist to remove the pit.
- Use slicer to cut fruit into even slices and scoop them out.
Zester/Microplane
- Hold the zest over a bowl.
- Rub citrus peel along the tiny holes.
- Tap gently to release fine zest.
Apple Corer
- Place corer over apple’s stem.
- Push down to remove the core.
- Slice remaining apple halves as needed.
Step 4: Maintenance and Cleaning
Many of these tools are dishwasher safe, but to preserve sharpness and longevity:
- Rinse immediately after use to prevent food from drying in crevices.
- Use a small brush for fine holes (like on a zester or garlic press).
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage non-stick or stainless surfaces.
Step 5: Get Creative
Once comfortable, experiment:
- Use zesters on chocolate or hard cheeses.
- Use apple corers to hollow out vegetables for stuffing.
- Press ginger or garlic into marinades for an instant flavor boost.
The possibilities are limited only by your imagination!
Final Thoughts
That strange kitchen tool isn’t just a novelty—it’s a time-saving, efficiency-boosting gadget hiding in plain sight. By understanding its purpose, mastering the technique, and maintaining it properly, you can elevate your cooking and make prep work faster, easier, and more enjoyable.
Next time you encounter an odd kitchen gadget, don’t toss it aside. Take a moment to explore its hidden potential—you might just discover your new favorite cooking companion.
