A peeler is a small kitchen knife that can be used to peel and slice fruit and vegetables. This type of knives are extremely versatile and can be used in many ways, making them one of the most used in a chef's kitchen. If you don't have any knives in the kitchen yet, this utensil is a great first investment.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Slice
Peelers easily go through fruits and vegetables, including harder ones like sweet potatoes.
Step 1. Place the fruit or round vegetables sideways on the cutting board, so that the ends are horizontal to the work surface
Step 2. Place the knife against the fruit near one end and push straight down, sliding the blade through the pulp to cut the tip
Step 3. Turn the fruit over and repeat the operation on the other end
Step 4. Arrange the fruit vertically by resting it on one of the cut ends to make it stable as you slice it
Step 5. Hold the knife through the top end of the fruit and slice downward
Step 6. Continue slicing according to your needs
Method 2 of 4: Remove Thin Peels
Peelers can be used to peel thin peels of foods such as apples or potatoes. The sharp blade of the knife can make sharper and faster cuts than a peeler.
Step 1. Hold the food vertically with your index finger on the top and your thumb on the bottom
Step 2. Hold the knife with three fingers of your dominant hand
Step 3. Place the tip of your index finger on the blunt side of the knife blade
Step 4. Place the tip of the knife on top of the food under your index finger
Step 5. Lightly penetrate the food, sliding the knife under the peel
Step 6. Remove the peel down towards the thumb
Step 7. Repeat until all the peel has been removed
Method 3 of 4: Remove Thick Peels
A peeler can also be used to peel thick-skinned fruits, such as citrus fruits.
Step 1. Hold the fruit in your free hand
Step 2. Hold the handle of the knife with your dominant hand
Step 3. Wrap all fingers around the handle
Step 4. Place your thumb on the side of the blade
Step 5. Make a small incision on the side of the fruit, cutting the peel right under the white skin
Step 6. Turn the knife slightly to an angle
Step 7. Peel the fruit by rotating it and pushing the blade under the peel horizontally
Method 4 of 4: Use the tip
The tip of this kitchen knife is as sharp as the blade and can be used for finishing work that a larger knife could ruin.