Potato masher

A potato masher, bean masher, pea masher or crusher is a food preparation utensil used to crush soft food for such dishes as mashed potatoes,[1][2] apple sauce or refried beans. Potatoes mashed using a potato masher tend to be fluffier and lighter in texture compared to other methods of mashing, because use of the device reduces cell damage to the potato, releasing less starch.[3]

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A stainless steel potato masher molded as a single piece

Construction

The potato masher consists of an upright or sideways handle connected to a mashing head.[4] The head is most often a large-gauge wire in a rounded zig-zag shape, or a plate with holes or slits. Basic designs made from a single piece of wood were used in Victorian times, before the more complex modern designs which are now used. This type of wooden masher, which is effectively a large wooden pestle, is still used in Scotland and is known as a 'Potato-Beetle' or just a 'Beetle'.[5][6]

Uses

Although potato mashers are most commonly used to mash potatoes, they are also used for mashing a variety of foods.[7][8] They are most used in home kitchens, but may also be used in commercial kitchens. Commercial mashers are often of larger design (up to 32 inches in base width). Other common uses include mashing pumpkins and rutabagas for soup, making hummus, guacamole, baking mix, egg salad, or even purées (depending on the fineness of the ridges).

  • A potato masher with a wooden handle
  • A common design of a potato masher
  • A potato masher in use
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See also

References
  1. Peterson, J. (2003). Essentials of Cooking. Artisan. p. pt107. ISBN 978-1-57965-538-9. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  2. FIONA SMITH (November 2015). "Recipe: Potato mash". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved November 2016
  3. The Greengrocer. Providore series. Murdoch Books. 2008. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-74196-200-0. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  4. Sinclair, C.G. (1998). International Dictionary of Food and Cooking. Fitzroy Dearborn. p. 428. ISBN 978-1-57958-057-5. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  5. Johnstone, C.I. (1828). The Cook and Housewife's Manual. Oliver & Boyd. p. 221. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  6. Kellogg, E.E.E.; Kellogg, E.E. (1893). Science in the Kitchen: A Scientific Treatise on Food Substances and Their Dietetic Properties, Together with a Practical Explanation of the Principles of Healthful Cookery, and a Large Number of Original, Palatable, and Wholesome Recipes. Modern Medicine Publishing Company. p. 236. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  7. "11 Clever Uses for Your Potato Masher". Food Network Canada. June 2, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  8. Heloise (2010). Handy Household Hints from Heloise: Hundreds of Great Ideas at Your Fingertips. Rodale. p. 239. ISBN 978-1-60529-117-8. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
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