How to Use a Spiralizer

A spiralizer is a kitchen appliance that turns fruits and vegetables into noodles and

other shapes. The “spiral” in the name can refer to the mechanism (think of a large crank pencil sharpener like they had screwed to the wall in 4th grade, or a woodworking lathe) or the shape of the finished product. While zucchini noodles are pretty limp, other veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes come out as bouncy spirals, reminiscent of a model’s hair in a shampoo ad.

In addition to long zoodles, most spiralizers allow you to cut your food into different lengths, thicknesses, strands, slices, and chips. Spiralize the veggies when raw; after that, you can bake or stir-fry them to create lots of delicious and interesting meals.

Many chefs have fallen in love with spiralizers because of the innovative dishes they suggest — and the beautiful presentation they enable. The cool new looks of traditional veggies are both decorative and functional and allow people to experience “boring” old foods in a new way. Some newer models cater to this creativity by adding “wavy” blades that contribute texture and symmetry to the finished veggies.

For the home cook, a spiralizer is an inexpensive and not too bulky addition to a healthy plant-based kitchen. The manual crank and handheld models are the lowest in cost, while you’ll pay more for an electric model or a dedicated attachment to another appliance like a stand mixer.

What to Spiralize

The best foods to run through a spiralizer are firm or crisp fruits and veggies of a round or oblong shape. These include:

• Zucchini or other squash (most popular and well known, i.e., zoodles)
• Sweet potatoes 
• Potatoes
• Carrots (must be very thick to work)
• Apples
• Jicama
• Parsnips
• Cucumbers
• Beets
• Pears
• Bell peppers
• Cabbage
• Onions

You can also spiralize citrus peels for use as garnish in a mocktail or other fancy drink.

How to Use a Countertop Spiralizer

As with any tool, the exact step-by-step instructions will vary based on the style, make, and model of your spiralizer. I’ll give you a basic overview of the countertop hand-crank version, but please read the manual that comes with your unit before zoodling.

Step 1: Choose What You Want to Spiralize

First, choose the fruit or vegetable that you’re going to spiralize. Look for ones that are at least an inch and a half in diameter since the spiralizer will “core” the plant in the center. If you spiralize a thin carrot, for example, you’ll end up with a few shavings and a core shaped like a dowel.

Step 2: Shape to Fit

Next, if necessary, trim and shape it to size. You will probably have to flatten it by cutting perpendicularly into the round ends. If it’s a big sweet potato, you may have to cut it lengthwise to get it to fit. And a footlong zucchini from your August garden may require splitting into a couple of six-inch sections, so it will fit between the crank and the blade. (Some electric models use chutes instead of requiring you to place the vegetable manually.) You may also want to position an appropriately sized plate, bowl, or clean tea towel under the outside of the blade to catch the spirals.

Step 3: Pick a Blade

Since spiralizers come with a variety of blades, you’ll want to select your desired blade next. Many countertop models come with three different blades: thin noodles (like spaghetti), thicker noodles (think udon), and lasagna. The blade has a round cutter in the center, into which you insert the end of the fruit or veggie. The other end goes into the spikes on the moveable part, which is attached to the crank handle and slides toward the blade. Before you start cranking, make sure the unit is firmly affixed to the counter. Most models accomplish this with four suction cups on the corners. Some industrial models include clamps. You do not want your spiralizer, veggie, and bowl to go flying off the counter the second you start to apply force.

Step 4: Spiralize!

Once the veggie is centered and secured on the spiralizer, you’re ready to go. Turn the handle as you apply gentle pressure on the food toward the blade end of the unit. Or, for an electric model, flip the switch.
Check out this video, with extremely cheerful music, for a visual aid.

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