MICROPLANE MAGIC

The Microplane began as a woodworker’s planing tool, the rasp, in 1990.  Eventually it would be transformed in 1994, when a Canadian wife borrowed her husband’s rasp and used it to zest citrus, because she was dissatisfied with the way traditional grating zesters shredded unevenly the delicate surface of the fruit.  The wife was amazed at the delicate zesting results from using the woodworking tool.  Little did she know that she would be responsible for thrusting the device, it’s application and the entire company as the recognized leader in premiere culinary tools.  Microplane Kitchen quickly became the darling of the culinary world.  Since then, Microplane Kitchen has remained the premier line of culinary tools coveted by celebrated chefs and home cooks throughout the world. 

These tools are made with surgical-grade stainless steel blades that tackle a variety of prepping tasks.  All of the Microplane Kitchen products are perfect for grating and zesting soft or hard cheeses, vegetables, block coconut or chocolate, garlic, shallots, citrus, and even spiral cutting.  Surgical-grade stainless steel blades assure precision, uniformity, and ease of use of the implement; many of these tools offer variable grating options like fine, ribbon, and coarse, or are tailored to conform to the consistency of the item being grated.  Designed to fit ergonomically in either hand, or to rest on countertop, or prep bowl, these products are must-haves for the serious cook.  Each tool makes the prepping task effortless, which is one less thing for the cook to worry about when preparing their masterpieces.

~ Box Grater ~

The Box Grater is a multitasker that makes the best of variable grating and slicing in a substantially designed tool.  It’s design features include a non-slip rubber hand grip and non-slip feet for maximum stabilization; each side includes a blade that’s tasked to individually handle ultra coarse, fine, and medium ribbon grating, or slicing; the slicing blade is angled and performs like a mandoline slicer.  Blades are made of surgical-grade stainless steel; includes a removable protective plastic storage cover; fine grater side removes easily for cleaning; top-rack dishwasher safe.  Ideal for grating or slicing hard cheeses, vegetables, chunk fresh coconut, or block chocolate. 

~ Cube Grater ~

The Cube Grater is another multitasker with variable blades for fine, coarse or ribbon grating; the Grater fits into its own catch container, which also functions as a measuring device and protective cover.  Surgical-grade stainless steel blades that are top-rack dishwasher safe; protective measure/cover recommended for hand washing; holds up to one and one-half cups of grated cheese, vegetables, zest, chunk fresh coconut, or chocolate. 

~ Herb and Salad Chopper ~

This dual Chopper is a definite replacement for the often-cumbersome mezzaluna.  The design features include an ergonomic tool that fits comfortably in the palm of the hand for easy one-handed rocking motion of the surgical-grade stainless blades; when not in use, the blades are retractable for safety and storage.  Ideal for mincing and chopping vegetables, herbs, and nuts; top-rack dishwasher safe.  

~ Spiral Cutter ~

This Cutter makes food prep fun.  What’s not to like about turning a zucchini, carrot, or cucumber into a pile of spiral cut tendrils.  Ideal for vegetables that will be steamed, used in stir-fry, or used as a faux/gluten-free pasta dishes.  Two barrel chambers that accommodate smaller or larger elongated vegetables; easy grip housing with a safety feature of inset surgical-grade stainless steel blades; top-rack dishwasher safe. 

~ My Tips ~

Box Grater ~ Consider wearing a protective glove to eliminate accidental scraping of hands on the super-sharp blades; the larger the grating surface area, the more careful and precise hand placement and motion is needed. To avoid cheeses from adding drag to the grating area, lightly oil the entire grating surface, which will prevent the cheese proteins from adhering; makes cleanup easier, too.

Cube Grater ~ Make sure to thoroughly rinse the blades and holder in between grating tasks to avoid migration of odors, especially when going from garlic or onion and then to chocolate, or coconut.

Herb/Salad Chopper ~ Make sure herbs or salad greens are as dry as possible before chopping, otherwise items will adhere to the blades and clumping, slowing down the motion.  Combine like-items for standard cutting, versus doing them separately; this will also help creating a one-step mixture and save time.

Spiral Cutter ~ The larger the vegetable, the longer the spiral tendril; larger vegetables will be easier to grip while turning the vegetable inside the cutting chamber.  Consistent hand motion and turning follow-through will yield more uniform results.

Overall ~ Once your tasks are complete, a quick rinse of the blades under warm water, or swished in an acidulated water mixture will release residue from the surgical-grade stainless steel blades.  Follow directions for either hand washing, or top-rack dishwashing. 

~ In Closing ~

Prepping with the right tool minimizes the task being cumbersome and culinary drudgery.  With these outstanding Microplane Kitchen tools, prepping becomes effortless and makes light of the task at hand.  The Microplane Company has three divisions that offer exceptional tools:  Microplane Kitchen Tools, Microplane Personal Care, and Microplane Woodworking.  http://us.microplane.com

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to always celebrate yourself and your culinary curiosity.  Happy cooking…happy eating!

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN continues perfecting her passion for food and wine.  She has been covering culinary related for many years as it relates to wellness and a healthy lifestyle.  Her popular blog, Terry's Spa, Beauty and Wellness Go-To has featured formidable reviews of cookbooks, restaurants, wine and food, food prep and tools, chef interviews, and coverage of prestigious events such as the International Home+Housewares Show, the National Restaurant Show and the Sweets and Snacks Expo.  She has been published since the mid-1990s in both consumer and trade publications, and is regarded as an expert in spa, beauty, wellness, travel and lifestyle, and is frequently interviewed by publications for her expert content.  She has also presented at major industry conferences, and has served with distinction on numerous governing and advisory boards.  She has a background in strategic and qualitative management, consulting, and motivational speaking.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Cision Seek or Shout, Plaxo, Red Room, Pinterest, and Tripatini.  For additional information, email her at terry.herman@gmail.com.

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(Introductory photo credit from goredforwomen.org; all other photo credits as represented by the specific brand.)