Paring Knives are among the most popular types of knives present today. So much that you can find a paring knife in almost any kitchen you walk into, regardless of whether it is a private or commercial kitchen. This popularity can be attributed to the fact that paring knives serve a very significant purpose in our kitchens, and the absence of a paring knife in the kitchen can prove to be very costly. It is so amazing how such a small tool can be so crucial to the success of a whole kitchen.
Paring knives are not just famous for the tasks they perform in the kitchen. But the precision and accuracy with which the knife operates make it a perfect tool for delicate cutting assignments. Portability is another strong point that paring Knives possess, and their small sizes make them as comfortable as a knife can be in a chef’s hand. And the durability feature of the knife is not compromised in any way too.
Despite the tiny nature of paring knives, they are significantly strong and can withstand frequent use in the kitchen. However, these benefits of using a paring knife in the kitchen can only be accessed if you are familiar with the knife. This article acts as a guide on how to use paring knives effectively.
Tips For Using A Paring knife
The good thing about knives is that they are straightforward to use. However, if you do not pay attention to the instructions on how to use different types of knives, it can be very tricky and can cause injuries or damages. Here’s an outline on how to use a paring knife effectively.
- The Hold: When using a paring knife, you have to maintain control over the blade at all times. Therefore, your grip must be stable and balanced, so that the knife will feel comfortable in your hands. When cutting on a chopping board, the sharp edge should be faced down with your thumb and index fingers on the upper side of the handle for control, while the other three fingers should circle the base of the handle to provide balance.
But when peeling or scraping fruits and vegetables, your four fingers should circle around the handle in a firm grip, while your thumb is slightly pressed against the blade.
- Peeling technique: After mastering the hold, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the various paring knife cutting techniques. When peeling a fruit or vegetable, the trick is to pierce an inch of the knife tip into the fruit and position your hand so that the knife tip is faced up. Then gently make circular movements around the fruit until the outer part is completely peeled off.
Conclusion
Knowing how to handle your paring knife helps you to save up time and get more accurate cuts on your fruits and vegetables. Paring knives can be used to slice through fruits and vegetables too, but the techniques involved are very direct and similar to the cutting technique of other smaller types of kitchen knives.
