How to Sharpen a Vegetable Peeler
A vegetable peeler is one of the most versatile and essential tools in the kitchen. Having a sharp vegetable peeler will help you peel vegetables quicker and easier – which makes meal prep faster. To get the most performance from your vegetable peeler, it’s important to sharpen it every so often. Doing so only takes a few steps, so you’ll be back to peeling vegetables in no time.
Step 1: Examine the Blade
The first step to sharpening your vegetable peeler is to take a close look at the blade to find any imperfections or signs of wear and tear. Look for any chips or cracks in the blade, as these often affect how sharp the blade is and can be a sign you’ll need to replace the blade.
Step 2: Clean the Blade
Using hot, soapy water, lightly scrub the blade to remove any dirt, food, rust, or other corrosion. You can also use an old toothbrush and baking soda to remove any stubborn buildup.
Step 3: Sharpen the Blade
Now that you’ve examined your blade and cleaned it, it’s time to sharpen it. You’ll need some type of sharpening material such as a whetstone, sandpaper, or even a piece of aluminum foil. Here are the steps:
- Place the sharpening material against the blade and rub it back and forth in small circles, applying even pressure.
- Rotate the blade and repeat the circular motions till you feel the sharpness has been restored.
- Keep repeating this process until you achieve the desired sharpness.
Step 4: Test the Sharpness
To check that your blade is sharp enough, try peeling a vegetable and feel how smoothly it moves. Additionally, you can check for smooth edges on the vegetable and that there are no pieces or bits left behind. If so, your blade is sharp enough for use.
Step 5: Store Your Peeler Safely
Finally, it’s important to store your vegetable peeler away safely to ensure its longevity. Ideally, you should store your peeler in a cool, dry place with the blade covered to prevent cuts or injury. You should also sharpen your peeler periodically to ensure its top performance.
And that’s how to sharpen a vegetable peeler!
