Understanding the Basics: Food Mill vs. Sieve
When it comes to preparing food, there are various tools that make our lives easier. Two such tools that are often used interchangeably are the food mill and sieve. While both are kitchen staples for breaking down and straining ingredients, there are distinct differences between the two. Let’s take a look at what sets them apart.
The Anatomy of a Food Mill
A food mill is a manually operated kitchen gadget that consists of a bowl, a perforated disk, and a hand crank. The bowl is placed on stable ground, and the disk is inserted into it. As you turn the hand crank, food is pushed through the perforated disk, straining out seeds, pulp, and skin. One of the most significant benefits of using a food mill is that it produces smooth and consistent results.
The All-Purpose Sieve
On the other hand, a sieve or a mesh strainer is a kitchen tool designed to strain liquids, blanch vegetables, sift flour, and remove lumps from sauces. Generally, it consists of a metal or plastic frame with a mesh screen stretched over it. Sieves come in different sizes and shapes, making them ideal for a range of jobs in the kitchen.
When to Use a Food Mill
You should use a food mill when you want to puree or grind food, resulting in a smooth texture. This tool is particularly useful when processing cooked fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, apples, and potatoes, as it can remove any unwanted components while producing a fine-grained product. Food mills are perfect for making creamy soups and sauces or even baby food.
When to Use a Sieve
Sieves are widely used in baking to sift flour or sugar before mixing them with other ingredients. They are ideal for removing any lumps and making sure that the ingredients mix well. In terms of straining liquids, sieves come in handy when you want to remove larger particles from mixtures like soups or stews. When blanching vegetables, using a sieve can be useful to ensure they are cooked evenly and cooled rapidly.
