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Learning
how to use the "Saladacco" also called Spiral Slicer Correctly to have
excellent results by John Kohler
There definitely is a "learning curve" when learning how to use the spiral slicer. It may seem hard at first, but keep trying, and you will get it. Just like riding a bicycle was hard at first... There are a few tricks to get the spiral slicer to work correctly. Hopefully after reading this article you will learn how to correctly use this amazing kitchen tool. There are several KEY AREAS that must be followed, or the spiral slicer will not work correctly. They are:
I will go into detail of each of these areas in the following sections: PROPER PRODUCE SELECTION The first area I will discuss is proper produce selection. First, only FRESH PRODUCE will work in this machine. Sorry canned, frozen or other processed produce will not work in the spiral slicer. There are only certain kinds of produce that will work in this machine. For example, a tomato will simply not work in this machine, and will make a mess. The most common produce items used in this machine are: Zucchini Squash, other types of squash (Italian, 8 Ball, Sunburst), Carrots and Beets.
PROPER PREPARATION OF PRODUCE
PROPER USE OF THE SPIRAL SLICER CHEFS TOOL After you have the produce you will be using, you will need to place it on the spiral slicer.(See picture below to the left) . You will want to place the exact center of the produce as it stands upright on the exact center of the nub (also called center pin) on the spiral slicer. Once you have it in place, then gently push down on the produce, so it will "seat". Be careful not to touch the blades, since they are very sharp. Next use the selector switch on the side of the machine to make strips or slices. You can be sure you have selected the correct one by ensuring you can see the triangle (sharp) teeth point up as you look down at the cutting table.
The next step is critical for proper operation. You will need to use two hands to operate the spiral slicer. I place my left hand on top of the clear protective cover, and hold it firmly in place. Next I take the palm of my right hand and place it on the center of the handle knob. Next, start to turn the handle knob with the palm of your right hand WHILE APPLYING CONSTANT DOWNWARD PRESSURE on the handle knob. The previous step is critical for proper operation. I have found that if you do not use your palm of your hand to operate the handle knob, you are likely not to succeed in making long spirals. If you find you are making short strands, it is quite possible that you are not supplying constant downward pressure. When you apply constant downward pressure, you will have more contact time between the produce and blade, and thus making a longer strands. I have made zucchini strands that are longer than 6 feet long!
Hopefully with this article you have learned how to properly operate the spiral slicer. If it still does not work for you, please don't give up. Try different techniques to use the spiral slicer, and one may work for you. Once you find a way that works for you, stick with it! I experimented many, many times to discover the best way to operate the spiral slicer that I have shared with you in this article. Here are some frequently asked questions about the spiral slicer: What can you do with pieces of produce that are left over after spiral slicing, such as the carrot round in the picture above? Many times, I will either blend it into the dressing, eat it while I'm still preparing the food, or cut it up and put it into a salad. What can you do with the smaller diameter pieces of produce that will not fit upright in the spiral slicer? I would recommend putting them in the spiral slicer long ways. Please see the picture below. While this will NOT make long strands, it will make some short strands and some nice garnish that still can be used.
What is the difference between the Saladacco and Spiral Slicer? The Saladacco is the brand name of this spiral slicer shown in the picture in this article that was imported into the USA about 8 years ago from Japan. Since that time, they are no longer importing the "official" Saladacco slicer from Japan, and this slicer is now being manufactured in China. I have personally done a side-by-side comparison of the slicers, and for the most part are identical and operate in the same manner. Its like in the USA, when we say, "Can I have a Kleenex?", and someone hands you a tissue for blowing your nose, even though, it may not be the "Kleenex" brand tissue. |
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