Versatile and convenient are words that best describe a spiralizer. This kitchen tool transforms veggies like carrots and zucchini into long thin spirals. Not only does the spiralizer save you a lot of chopping time. But it also allows you to enjoy spiralized vegetables instead of just regular pasta dishes.
Bear in mind that a spiralizer comes with delicate, sharp blades that slice fruits and raw veggies into noodle-like shapes. While some work like giant pencil sharpeners- all you need to do is insert your vegetables into the spiralizer and turn it by hand, opposing the blades. Other models will allow you to attach them to a tabletop using a suction cup. This will give you a secure footing when using the handle crank to make spiralized veggies.
Well, in this article, we are going to look at what is a spiralizer so you can add one to your collection or gadgets in your kitchen drawer.
Types of Spiralizers
There are three main types of spiralizers; the handheld spiralizer, countertop spiralizer and electric spiralizer. Both the handheld and countertop spiralizers are manual devices. The electric spiralizer can either be battery-powered or plugged in.
Despite the different designs, they all work in the same way, and they all have the same effect; they will create noodles out of several different types of food.
It’s worth mentioning that the majority of single-task spiralizers come with one set of blades. The single-set blade design is commonly found in handheld spiralizers, and those are meant to handle one kind of vegetable, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini.
On the other hand, some advanced spiralizers come with four different adjustable blade attachments. With these, you can prepare any recipe, from basic zucchini noodles to advanced potato spiralizer recipes. Furthermore, this simple kitchen appliance can make new recipes such as butternut squash.
What Are the Benefits of a Spiralizer?
Eating enough fruits and vegetables is easier said than done, especially when there is a whole variety of foods that are way more appealing than that big bowl of zucchini.
However, when you have the right tool, spiralizing vegetables is so fun! You can transform raw foods into noodles which can be a substitute for traditional pasta that is not only fun to eat but also delicious and healthy. Generally, a spiralizer can be used to create healthier meals when compared to processed foods.
Variety & Versatility
There are several ways of enjoying spiralized vegetables. Whether you prefer a traditional bowl of zucchini noodles or daikon radish noodles, a spiralizer will not only help you to expand your palate but will reduce your food preparation time, too.
Fast & Efficient
Quick, easy and efficient are words that best describe the spiralizing process. Not only does this process minimize food waste, but also it makes certain vegetables like hard squash, root veggies and sweet potatoes easy to cook.
These veggie noodles cook quickly while retaining their nutrients and vitamins as well as their flavour. Bear in mind that eating spiralized vegetables is a good way of cutting down your calorie intake, and it also allows you to benefit from eating more vegetables.
Healthy & Diet-Friendly
Whether you’re strictly shifting to a gluten-free diet or trying to limit your carb intake, then all you need is a spiralizer. Not only does this versatile kitchen appliance introduce new ingredients and textures to your cooking repertoire, but it makes it fun, too!
How Does a Spiralizer Work?
A spiralizer comes with fine blades that are used to slice both raw fruits and vegetables into a variety of noodle shapes. Bear in mind that this kitchen appliance works like a giant pencil sharpener.
All that you are required to do is stick in your desired vegetable or fruit and turn it against the blades by hand. Or, if you own a more advanced model, you will be required to turn a crank and make noodles efficiently and with less effort.
Bear in mind that small single-task spiralizers come with one set of blades that are designed to work well with essential vegetables like carrots, summer squash and zucchini.
On the flip side, countertop spiralizers come with four different adjustable blade attachments that can be used to make angel hair carrots, curly fries, and even cauliflower rice. Additionally, other spiralizer blades can make pasta shapes such as fettuccine, spaghetti and linguine.
On that note, keep in mind that different blade settings give you the flexibility of preparing a wide variety of healthy meals.
What Foods Can Be Spiralized?
It’s noteworthy to mention that a spiralizer works well with both hard and soft vegetables and fruits. Here are some of the vegetables and fruits that work well with the spiralizer;
Fruits
- Apple
- Melon
- Plantains
- Pear
Vegetables
- Winter squash
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Daikon radish
- Jicama
- Sweet potato
- Turnips
- Bell pepper
- Cabbage
- Kohlrabi
- Carrots
- White potato
Meals That Can Be Prepared Using A Spiralizer
Here are a few ways to prepare spiralized vegetables and fruits and incorporate them into your veggie recipes. Spiralized veggies have also made a debut in traditional cuisines like pad thai.
Bake
Spiralized vegetables and fruits can be added to baked foods, For example, adding spiralized sweet potatoes to pies or even pizza. You can always experiment to come up with your favourite spiralizer recipes.
Salads
Spiralized fruit can take your basic salad to the next level. You can try adding spiralized apples to your salad for colour as well as taste. This is especially for those looking for a sweet and sour taste. You can also add any other firm fruits that tickle your fancy. With salads, you can also add parsnips, cucumbers, beets, and carrots.
Stir Fry
Making stir fry vegetables using diced vegetables can get boring. So adding flare to the dish using spiralizers can be a big plus. You can also add a touch of sweet potato to your recipes.
How to Clean and Store a Spiralizer
A number of spiralizers are dishwasher safe, especially those that are available either in hand crank or handheld models. However, cleaning them in a dishwasher can be quite tricky due to their different nooks and crannies. So here is an easy and simple way of cleaning your vegetable spiralizer.
Once you’re done using your spiralizer, it’s always advisable to rinse them immediately. Or soak them in warm soapy water to help the sticky bits to loosen up. Once the debris has loosened up, use a clean toothbrush to clean the blades, as this will keep your fingers out of harm’s way.
When your spiralizer is all clean and sparkling, allow it to air dry before reassembling it or storing it away. Remember to place it where it can be easily reached, as we are sure that you will be using it often.
That being said, it’s important to mention that you should always inspect your spiralizer when cleaning it. Ensure you check for any hairline stress cracks in the plastic, safety guards and even the blades if necessary.
If you notice that any part of your spiralizer is damaged, consider replacing it before reusing the appliance. Optionally, check in with the customer service number of your appliance and request advice before using your spiralizer again. When it comes to new technology, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Do You Need a Spiralizer?
Well, that is it on what is a spiralizer. We hope that this article has answered a number of your questions. So, whether you’re looking to turn your little ones into big fans of vegetable noodles or you are trying to find a simple way of increasing your vegetable intake, then a spiralizer is all you need. Not only will this kitchen appliance allow you to be creative with your vegetable ingredients. But also you will be able to prepare root vegetables in the shortest time possible.
