Peelers

LignumVitae

This is inspired by the thread DD started on Chit Chat about chores we don't like doing. Most in my case but I now really struggle to peel. I avoid where possible but where not possible I use an Oxo Goodgrips peeler. In the past it has been OK, I also have another one from the USA which has a smaller handle but a lethal blade so it works but I also regularly peel myself and blood isnt the best thing in vegetarian dishes plus the small handle mitigates the value of the sharp blade because I still can't peel for very long with it. So, I throw it open to my fellow strugglers - what peelers or peeling advice do you have? Not peeling isn't always an option for me and I need to see if there is something better I could be doing...getting Mr LV to cook or peel is also not an option. I'd put on a stone a week if it was all left to his able 'I'll buy a pizza/ curry/ fish and chips' kind of cooking.

dibdab

Hi LV,

My sister has recently bought me a new peeler from Sainsbury that slips over 1 finger and sits in the palm of your hand, I haven't tried it yet but mum has one and she said it's useful.....don't think it was very expensive and might be worth a try. Like you I have the "good grips" kind recommended by OT, it's ok, but not when the hands are really sore. When things get too bad I resort to ready prepared veg from the supermarket...dearer and feels like cheating, but sometimes the little short cuts make the other stuff more do-able.

Deb

dreamdaisy

I use a Good Grips, a swing bladed one but not in the Y form. I find it easier to peel away from myself because peeling towards places an undue strain on my wrists and fingers whereas when doing it away you can use your whole arm to help the movement. I too have a palm-peeler but find the standard one easier for me. I often buy salad potatoes now because they just need a wash and only peel any older carrots and spuds which can sometimes be found lurking in the deeper recesses of the fridge. :oops: DD

theresak

I use a Good Grips, but occasionally buy ready-chopped veg. Hubby being retired too, he can normally do the peeling for me. I have an ergonomic chopper, which is great.

stickywicket

I think peelers are one of the most individual bits of kitchen equipment even for the non-arthritic. Everyone seems to prefer a different kind. I love mine but can't remember the make or where I got it. It's a 'catapult' shape, nice thick plastic handle and, I suspect crucially for me, a blade which only swivels halfway. I have to peel away from me. Over Christmas, I thought I would be OK with my dil's similar-looking peeler (albeit with a metal loop of a handle) but I was hopeless and had to move onto sprouts instead. I suspect hers swivelled further than mine and thus too far for my limited control. Incidentally, garb of the day permitting, I also tuck the end of my peeler under my blouse / sweater sleeve as it helps to give more control.

However, I swear by my own method of (large – not the ones you just bung in as they are) spud-peeling. Chop spud in half. Using a bread knife (because the serrated edge is easier) and two hands (ie one on the handle, the other on the end of the blade) cut off end. (Despite years of this I still have ten fingers ) Turn spud onto its fattest cut bit and, using knife as before, guide it downwards to cut the peel off thinly in strips.

This works for me but we're all different and it mightn't work for you.

Starburst

Peelers and I do not get on. My poor finger is evidence as to why. Potatoes are my arch nemesis but there is a solution........... http://www.dump.com/peelpotato/ (it's a video).

LignumVitae

Thank you all...I've never tried peeling away from me so I will give that a go for starters. See, it's the small but invaluable bits of advice that this forum provides that never cease to amaze me in proving how useful we all are. Maybe I should consider just replacing my good grips peeler, it was my Grandpa's before mine and he died in 2007 so it might be a bit blunt by now.

stickywicket

As my old Mum would have said - it owes you nothing.

One advantage of peeling 'away' is that the end of the carrot, parsnip etc can be rested on the worktop relieving pressure on the wrists.

ichabod6

Peel as little as possible.
I always scrub spuds and carrots and turnips and leave the skins on.

stickywicket

But that requires two good hands - one to hold firmly and one to scrub firmly. I don't even have one good hand