What is a food mill?

A food mill is a kitchen tool used to remove seeds, skins, and fibers from cooked foods like tomatoes, fruits, and vegetables. It's essentially a sieve with a rotating blade that pushes the food through the holes, leaving behind the unwanted bits.

Here's how it works:

1. Cook your food: You need to cook the food first to soften it.

2. Load the food mill: Place the cooked food in the bowl of the food mill.

3. Turn the handle: Rotate the handle to force the food through the sieve.

4. Catch the puree: The pureed food falls into a bowl below.

Here are some of the benefits of using a food mill:

* Creates smooth and even purees: The rotating blade ensures a consistent texture.

* Removes unwanted bits: Seeds, skins, and fibers are left behind in the sieve.

* Versatile tool: Can be used for soups, sauces, jams, baby food, and more.

* Durable and long-lasting: Most food mills are made from sturdy materials.

Different types of food mills:

* Hand-operated: The most common type, with a rotating handle.

* Electric: Offers convenience and faster processing.

* With different sieve sizes: You can choose a sieve with larger or smaller holes depending on the desired texture.

Alternatives to a food mill:

* Immersion blender: Can blend cooked food, but might not be as effective at removing seeds and skins.

* Fine-mesh sieve: Can be used for straining, but won't create a smooth puree.

Overall, a food mill is a useful tool for anyone who enjoys making smooth and delicious purees. It can save you time and effort, and it's a great way to create a variety of dishes from fruits and vegetables.