|
In the kitchen, the knife, in its various
forms, is a very important tool.
High-Carbon Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel Knives
Most knife blades today are made of
either high-carbon stainless steel or carbon steel. High-carbon
stainless steel is ideal because it is rust resistant and won't react
with foods. Carbon steel, on the other hand, can rust and react with
acidic foods leaving them with a metallic taste. Carbon steel also
turns some cut vegetables brown.
Basic Types of Knives Needed in Your Kitchen
It's best to buy knives made by companies
that specialize in knife manufacturing and remember that it's quality
not quantity that counts. You need just three knives to get started — a
chef's knife, a bread knife and a paring knife. So buy the best you can
afford. Think twice about buying a large set of knives that probably
contains several knives you won't use. As your experience grows, you
can buy additional knives.
|
Buying a Knife |
Chef's Knife |
|
When shopping, pick up a knife you are
thinking of buying to ensure you can comfortably grip the handle. The
knife should also feel well balanced — that is, the weight of the knife
should be evenly distributed between the handle and the blade.
The knife you choose should have a
high-carbon stainless steel blade. High-carbon stainless steel is rust
resistant and does not react adversely with food.
Buy good quality knives. They will be
more enjoyable to use and will last for many years.
|
A chef's knife is the most important
knife in the kitchen. This knife can be used for a wide variety of
cutting jobs, including mincing garlic, chopping vegetables and carving
meat.
A chef's knife is a large, weighty knife
with a blade that is usually 8 to 10 inches long.
Your knife collection should include a
good quality chef's knife.
|
|
Bread Knife |
Paring Knife |
|
A bread knife has a serrated, or notched,
blade that can slice through food such as bread, loaf cakes and
tomatoes without crushing or tearing the food.
A bread knife has a blade that is usually
8 to 10 inches long.
Your knife collection should include a
bread knife.
|
A paring knife is a small knife with a
blade that is usually 2 to 4 inches long. This knife can be used for
many tasks, including peeling and coring fruit and slicing mushrooms.
Your knife collection should include at
least one paring knife.
|
|
FAQ About Storing Knives |
|
Where should I store my knives? |
How should I care for my knives? |
|
To keep your fingers safe and your knives in good condition, you
should store your knives in a wooden knife block that sits on your
countertop or in a knife tray that fits into a kitchen drawer. A knife
tray is a wooden tray with individual slots for storing knives.
You should not store your knives loose in a utensil drawer as your
blades may become damaged from hitting other utensils and you may
inadvertently cut yourself when searching for utensils. |
When you finish using a knife, it is best to immediately wash it
under warm running water, using a soft cloth or paper towel and mild
soap. Then dry the knife and put it away. Hand washing will extend the
life of your knives.
Do not put your knives in the dishwasher or in a sink filled with
water and other dishes. Your knife blades may become damaged from
hitting other utensils, pots or dishes and you may inadvertently cut
yourself when reaching into the dishwasher or sink. |
|