Peeler appeal

If you think a peeler is a peeler is a peeler, think again says Ian Macrae as he checks out the variety against a range of access needs

Whether peeling veg is for you a necessary chore or part of the delight of preparing and cooking a lovely roast, there’s no doubt that it presents a variety of challenges. How to avoid taking the skin off your fingers rather than the spuds, how to do it more easily if you have issues with grip, dexterity or hand strength; how to peel at all if you have one or no hands.

And there are a variety of solutions. I once watched top chef Michael Caines, a single-arm amputee, peeling a potato using the slicing face of a box grater placed on a tea-towel to stop it slipping about.

But check out your average kitchenware high street or online stockist and you’re likely to find more shapes, sorts and sizes of peeler than you can shake a carrot at. Long ones, short ones, straight ones, y-shaped ones, with fixed or moveable blades, they’re all there.

The most basic ones tend to be small and have wooden or plastic handles. These can present a challenge for anyone who likes to have a good grip on things. For them the ones sold under the GoodGrip trade mark might be the answer. They’re conven­tional straight or y-shaped peelers. They’re larger and have non-slip rubberised handles which means they don’t move about in your hand. It also makes it easier to move the vegetable against the peeler if you prefer to do it that way round.

Revolutionary design is probably not a phrase you would automatically link with peelers, but the Palm Peeler from American manufacturer Chef’n has brought something new to the table.

It’s made up of a slightly curved plastic square with a small ring on the top and a blade underneath. If you put your middle finger through the ring, the Palm Peeler becomes almost like part of your hand, resting against the under side of your fingers. Holding your fruit or veg in one hand you peel it by stroking the other hand with the peeler attached over the surface.

This not only means you can be highly methodical and thorough about peeling, but is also very safe as the risk of catching yourself with the blade is considerably reduced. Again, this one has clear advantages for anyone with grip or hand-strength issues.

The Titan Peeler from Lakeland looks like your good quality rather conventional y-shaped peeler. But it comes with an accessory which gives it an extra twist, its own little slicing board.

It’s a relatively easy matter to slot the peeler into the red plastic board so that the blade is exposed in a slot. Then rub your carrot, cucumber or whatever against the blade to produce slices. Be warned though. It slices very thin so is fine for vicarage lawn style cucumber sandwiches but not so good for carrots intended for a hearty casserole or stew.
You’re also well advised to take extra care as you get nearer the end of whatever it is you’re slicing. The instructions suggest holding it on the end of a fork to avoid damage to fingers.

INFORMATION

Oxo Goodgrip peelers – available from Lakeland, RNIB and other kitchen stockists. £4.69

Chef’n Palm Peeler – from selected high street and online stores. £11

Titan Peeler and slicing board – exclusive to Lakeland. £10.99