master-cooks | The Secret To Easily Pitting Cherries Is Already In Your Junk Drawer

If you're looking to pit cherries without the hassle of specialized tools, the solution may already be sitting in your kitchen's junk drawer. Common household items can double as effective cherry pitters, saving you both time and money. One such tool is a simple paperclip. By bending the paperclip into an "S" shape, you can easily maneuver it through the cherry, hooking the pit and pulling it out with minimal effort. Another handy item is a sturdy straw. Push the straw through the cherry from the stem end, and it will pop the pit right out the other side. Even a chopstick or a small screwdriver can serve this purpose, as long as they fit comfortably through the cherry without crushing it. These methods are not only efficient but also allow you to preserve the shape and integrity of the fruit, making them perfect for both cooking and garnishing. Next time you're preparing cherries, skip the fancy gadgets and reach for these everyday items to make the process quick and straightforward. With these tricks, pitting cherries becomes a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy their delicious taste.

How to pit cherries with a paper clip

To make pitting cherries easier, start by removing the cherry stem if you haven't done so already. Hold the cherry securely in one hand and insert the hooked end of a paper clip into the spot where the stem was attached. Gently twist the paper clip; the aim is to hook around the pit and detach it from the fruit. It may require some finesse, but with gentle turning and maneuvering, the pit should release without damaging the cherry. For practice, you might want to begin with larger cherries, which are easier to manage. With a little practice, you can efficiently pit a whole batch of cherries using just a paper clip.

Using a paper clip instead of a traditional cherry pitter has several benefits. The most significant advantage is that paper clips are small and take up virtually no space in your kitchen. In contrast, handheld cherry pitters can be bulky and difficult to store alongside your other kitchen tools. Additionally, while most cherry pitters are not overly expensive, it's wise to save money, especially if you don't intend to use a dedicated pitter frequently. Plus, the money you save can go towards buying more cherries!

More tips for perfectly pitted cherries

Using a traditional cherry pitter can be somewhat messy. To minimize the cleanup, work over a large bowl to catch any juice that escapes; this juice can be saved to enhance your cocktails and mocktails later. If you're pitting a significant number of cherries, consider wearing gloves to prevent staining your fingers and to maintain a better grip. Avoid freezing the cherries before pitting, as this can make the process more challenging. However, starting with chilled cherries is beneficial to prevent them from becoming mushy while you work. Before you begin, place the cherries in the refrigerator or a bowl of cold water for a while until they are slightly firm. Lastly, don’t forget to save the cherry pits for a delicious treat later on.

With enough creativity, almost anything can serve as a cherry pitter—your hands, a nail, or even a chopstick can do the trick. However, for convenience and compactness, few tools are as effective as a paper clip.

The Secret To Easily Pitting Cherries Is Already In Your Junk Drawer

How to pit cherries with a paper clip

More tips for perfectly pitted cherries

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