Openers for Meal Prep
Openers are used to take lids, corks, and seals off of containers. To keep the contents shelf stable, they need to be air tight so that mold won’t grow, usually requiring some type of tool to open. It’s a convenience more than a hindrance since canned food has revolutionized our relationship with ingredients.
Because of tin cans and other industrial era inventions, which have only been around since the 1800’s, we can store fresh ingredients for the long-term. Not only does this deepen our pantries for better budgeting, but it also takes away long cooking times for ingredients like beans which, when dry, take hours to prepare.
Electric openers are also a godsend for anyone with hand issues. Arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome can make it especially difficult to open tight seals, making them ideal for people that have to cook with handicaps.
Bottle Opener
Bottle openers are exactly what they sound like, devices that are used to open bottles whether they have corks or metal lids. They’re typically small, handheld tools found in every kitchen’s side drawer, but different bottle styles will call for different means.
Popping champagne might not seem like a common thing to do in meal prep, but cooking with wine is extremely popular, especially in French and Mediterranean cuisines. Having the proper wine bottle opener is key to deglazing pans.
Bottles aren’t reserved for alcohol only. Higher end ingredients like certain oils will also come in elaborate glass bottles that require attention to opening. While not the most common in meal prep, it is always best to leave options available for creative opportunity.
Can Opener
Can openers come in a wide range of styles that have evolved since their inception in the 19th century. Originally a sturdy blade with a firm handle, more modern versions feature a grip handle with a rolling blade that locks onto the can for quick trimming.
Electric can openers are also popular because they require less effort. This can make all the difference for people that have susceptible hands and prefer to avoid the stress. Some manual can openers can be poorly made, requiring extra force that impedes on cooking.
Canned food is a wonderful way to cut corners without sacrificing the quality of your food. This is especially true for foods like beans which normally need to be soaked overnight and then cooked for multiple hours before they are ready to be used. Nobody got time for that.
Jar Opener
Jar openers are grip handles that latch onto the lid of a sealed jar and twist them loose. They are especially helpful for tighter jars that have little to no friction for gripping. When jars are stored in the fridges condensation can also make it hard to grasp jars tightly, making opening them a hassle.
Few things are as satisfying as the first twist of a stubborn jar and once you’re inside it’s paradise. Jarred ingredients offer a lot of potential to sauce bases, curries, and aromatics, helping pack a punch one tablespoon at a time.
Electric jar openers are also an option, perfect if jarring is a hobby that you enjoy or if you have difficulties using your hands. Jars are great for long term storage, especially storing infused oils or fermented vegetables.