Peeling an apple, that is, removing the peel, is not difficult, if you know how to do it. However, a sharp knife or peeler could be dangerous if you handle them the wrong way. Take some time while you learn how to peel an apple for the first time and always stop to change the grip if you have the impression that the fruit is slipping.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: With a Knife
Step 1. Grab the apple with one hand
Hold it with your non-dominant one as firmly as possible between your palm and fingers.
Step 2. Learn how to keep a short, sharp knife
Choose one that is no longer than the width of the fruit, usually 5-10cm. Hold it with your dominant hand by wrapping your fingers around the handle and the blunt edge of the blade. Keep your arm straight with the blade extending away from you, as if it were an extension of your limb.
This type of tool is often also called tournier and is specific for this kind of work
Step 3. Hold the blade firmly against the surface of the apple
To do this, keep light pressure against the blunt edge of the knife. Make sure you have a good grip on the tool, that it does not wobble and at the same time without getting tired or pressing too hard.
Most people start by placing the blade at 2, 5 from either end of the fruit, at one point on the circumference
Step 4. Decide which way to direct the knife
The best method for handling a tournier knife depends on your level of control and comfort with the tool. If you are not used to using the knife, do not feel comfortable or are using a larger blade than previously recommended, then direct the cutting edge away from your body to minimize the chances of cutting yourself, in case the knife. slipped. Once you have acquired a certain familiarity and when the grip becomes more secure, you will realize that you have greater control of the process with the blade facing you, tilted slightly inwards.
Step 5. Score the skin of the apple with the knife
Apply light pressure on the blade until the peel is cut and the tool is below its surface.
Step 6. Rotate the fruit to remove the rest of the peel
Turn the apple slowly towards the edge of the blade while maintaining a constant position and minimal pressure. Continue to rotate the apple while the knife removes the peel, follow a spiral pattern until you have peeled all the fruit. Don't bother with the flat parts of the fruit for now.
If the blade slips and goes through the peel, simply bring it back under it to any place where the skin is still present
Step 7. Remove the ends of the apple
The base and top are usually more difficult to peel due to their inconsistent shape. Place the apple on a cutting board, close your fingers to "claw" so that the fingertips are against the fruit and the knuckles are the portion of the hand closest to the knife blade. Slowly, press the knife on the apple until it is stable inside and then push hard to cut the end of the fruit.
Do not try to proceed with this operation if the fruit slips on the cutting board. Stop and make sure both the apple and the work base are dry, or get another cutting board
Method 2 of 3: With a potato peeler
Step 1. Cut the base and top of the apple
This method is much faster if you remove the uneven parts of the fruit thus obtaining two parallel surfaces. To prepare for the cut, hold the apple firmly against the cutting board with your non-dominant hand and close your "claw" fingers. This way the harder skin of the knuckles stays against the blade of the knife and reduces the chances of painful or severe cuts if the knife slips.
Step 2. Check the type of peeler you have available
There are two main models. The straight one, where there is a section of metal that extends from the handle like a knife, must be used by pushing it away from you. The one in the shape of "Y" has two "arms" that protrude from the handle and joined together by a horizontal metal blade. The latter type is designed to be pulled towards those who use it. Some people have an aptitude to hurt themselves more with one model than the other, so if you find that one type is difficult to control, move on to the other.
Step 3. Grab the peeler like a pencil
You must have a firm grip on the instrument, especially if it is a "Y" model, to do this put your thumb and index finger on opposite sides of the handle. Close the other fingers around the handle itself for an even more secure grip.
Step 4. Grab the apple with your fingers around the sides
Hold it firmly with your non-dominant hand but keep your fingers on the sides, not on the upper and lower ends. Leave a wide strip of visible peel free that runs through the fruit, joining vertically the base and the top, the knuckles of the hands must be close to this area. Position the apple according to the type of peeler you have available:
- If you have a straight model, hold the apple so that the strip is flat, slightly angled so that you can slide the peeler in a straight line without bending your arm unnaturally.
- If you have a "Y" pattern, position the apple so that the strip is almost vertical, slightly tilted away from you, so that you can pull the tool blade.
Step 5. Use the tool to remove the first strip of peel
Check very carefully that your hand and fingers are in the position described above. Slowly, slide the blade from one end of the fruit to the other, removing the strip of skin. Remember to push the peeler straight away from you but pull the “Y” peeler in the opposite direction.
Step 6. Rotate the apple and repeat
Keep removing short strips of peel until all of the fruit has been cleaned up. Consider keeping the apple over a cutting board, bowl, sink or waste bin so that the peel can fall inside.
Practice with slow movements at least for the first 3-4 apples before picking up the pace. Even if you become very skilled and fast, remember that changing the type of tool or its size could cause you injury if you don't slow down and get used to the new tool first
Method 3 of 3: Using Apple Peels
Step 1. Turn the peels into snacks
Sprinkle them with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar adding a little water to allow the ingredients to blend a little. Arrange the peels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them at 120 ° C for about two and a half hours or until crisp and curled.
Step 2. Make a potpourri
Dehydrate the skins for several hours in a dryer or oven set to low. Mix them with spices, perfumes, or other aromatic ingredients to create a potpourri. Arrange the mixture in bowls in the various rooms of the house to mask unpleasant odors or to perfume the home.
Step 3. Make a homemade jam
Cut the peels into small pieces and add them to the other fruit with which you will prepare the jam. If you have enough peels, cores, or other waste fruit, there is no need to add pectin or you can reduce the doses.
Step 4. Start composting
If you produce a lot of kitchen scraps, then you might consider installing a composter. In this way you create high quality soil for your garden and reduce your impact on the environment. If you do not have to use the compost for personal use, find out if separate "wet" collection is envisaged in your municipality of residence.
