Blades and Discs: The Unsung Heroes of Food Processors
Food processors, with their versatile capabilities, have been the go-to kitchen appliance for professional chefs and home cooks alike. The secret behind their multifunctionality lies in their blades and discs. In this article, we will delve deeper into different types of blades and discs that come with a food processor.
S-Shaped Blade
The S-shaped blade, also called the Sabatier blade or multipurpose blade, is the most common type of blade in a food processor. It is used for chopping, blending, and mixing ingredients. The blade’s sharp edges are useful in grinding nuts, spices, and herbs finely. They are also perfect for pureeing fruits and vegetables for dips and sauces. One can use the blade to knead dough for bread and pizza as well.
Shredding Disc
The shredding disc, as the name suggests, is used for shredding vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and zucchini. It is also suitable for shredding cheese, making it a popular choice for pizza toppings and pasta dishes.
Slicing Disc
The slicing disc is another useful accessory that can cut fruits and vegetables to desired thicknesses. It is useful for slicing evenly spaced vegetable coins for stir-fries or for making French fries or potato chips. The thickness of the slices can be adjusted depending on the model of the food processor.
Dough Blade
The dough blade, also known as the kneading blade, is used for preparing dough for bread, pizza, and pasta. Unlike the S-shaped blade, the dough blade is shaped like a hook, which makes it easier to mix the dough without over beating it. The blade is also useful for making pie crusts and biscuits, as it allows the formation of gluten without overworking the dough.
Citrus Juicer
Some food processors come with a citrus juicer attachment that allows the users to extract juice from oranges, lemons, and limes. The juicer can be attached to the motor base, and the fruit is placed in the reamer. The reamer turns as the motor runs and extracts the juice from the fruit.
In conclusion, the food processor’s blades and discs are what make it incredibly versatile and an indispensable tool in any kitchen. By mastering the use of these accessories, one can take the food processor’s capabilities to the next level.
