Instructions

1. Hold the underside of the food item firmly as you press the blade of the vegetable peeler into the edge of the food's surface closest to you. The amount of pressure applied to the blade determines the thickness of the slice.

2. Slide the vegetable peeler along the contours of the food away from your body while maintaining equal pressure on the blade throughout the stroke. Some peelers are designed to slice in both directions, but moving the blade away from the body is considered to be a safer way to peel.

3. Pull the food slice from between the blades and set it aside if it does not fall out on its own. Proceed with a second slice using the same technique or adjust the pressure slightly to control the depth of the slices.

4. Wash the vegetable peeler with hot soapy water and dry it completely before putting it away in the utensil drawer. Putting a peeler away while it is still dirty or wet could cause rust on the blade and reduce its sharpness and allow the growth of bacteria.