Have you ever experienced that your food processor (blender) broke down after just a few years? I’m not talking about those expensive high-power blenders, but the regular ones used for making smoothies, sauces, etc. If you feel like you’re replacing your blender too often, it might be because some foods have damaged the blades or mechanical functions of the blender.
Moreover, a food processor can also alter the texture of certain ingredients and even change the color of food. Not all ingredients are suitable for blending in a food processor. Sometimes it’s better to use a hand blender, a food processor, or a reliable chef’s knife.
At the same time, food processors are prone to bacterial growth. Therefore, proper cleaning of the food processor is crucial to ensure food safety and prevent bacterial contamination.
Many might find it surprising, but using a food processor to mash potatoes is actually a big no-no. Blending potatoes in a food processor for a few minutes can make the starch and juice thick and ruin the texture. If you want to make smooth mashed potatoes, be sure to use a potato ricer.
Juicing vegetables has many health benefits, but be cautious when putting fiber-rich leafy greens in a food processor, as the heat generated during processing can turn them brown or gray-green. To preserve the vibrant color of the vegetables, freeze the greens for 5 minutes before blending them in the processor.
Experts also caution against using a food processor to make tomato sauce as it can introduce too much air during blending, resulting in a pinkish color.
When making baby food or if you need to consume soft foods for some reason, you should grind meat in a food processor. Avoid blending meat unless necessary since the texture and flavor layers emphasized in good recipes may be lost after processing.
Many soup recipes call for blending all hot ingredients in a food processor until smooth. However, putting hot ingredients directly into the processor can not only cause burns but also damage the appliance. In such cases, a hand blender is the best tool, and if one is not available, allow the hot ingredients to cool in a bowl before processing.
Baking and grinding spices at home can enhance the flavor of dishes, but special equipment is needed for grinding spices at home.
Although food processors can be used to grind spices, the results may not be as good due to the larger blades designed for larger ingredients. Opting for a spice grinder will ensure that spices like peppercorns or cardamom are finely ground uniformly.
In many cases, dried fruits can substitute fresh fruits, such as adding them to cakes or cereals. However, do not use dried fruits to make smoothies or milkshakes as they can stick to the blade and turn gooey. If you must blend dried fruits, soak them first to replenish moisture.
If you wish to make fruit powder using dried fruits to enhance the flavor and color of frostings, avoid using a food processor. Instead, use a coffee grinder or a spice grinder that can finely grind the dried fruits.
Technically, you can use a food processor to grind coffee beans, but it is not recommended as the coarse nature of the beans can dull the blades over time and may not be evenly ground due to the processor’s shape.
While many people know that food processors cannot handle bones properly, it is still worth mentioning since some may inquire about putting bones in the processor. Many recipes call for grinding bones or meat with bones, while others seek ways to make bone meal fertilizer. There are also those following a ketogenic diet who consume a lot of chicken bones.
Under no circumstances should bones be put into a food processor. Insufficient grinding of bones may result in swallowing sharp bone fragments, possibly causing intestinal perforation.
Many are familiar with making almond milk but may not be aware that whole almonds can damage a food processor beyond repair. To grind nuts for almond milk, soak them first to soften them before processing. If using almonds or cashews for salads and desserts, it is best to roughly chop them with a chef’s knife.
You may have blended frozen ingredients in the food processor for making cocktails or smoothies like frozen blueberries.
When blending frozen foods, the food processor might be the first tool that comes to mind, but any frozen ingredient can damage it. If you notice a burning smell, it is a sign that the processor is struggling to process the frozen ingredients unless using a top-quality processor.
Any strong-smelling ingredient can leave residues on the rubber sealing ring of the food processor and contaminate the next food processed. For example, adding raw garlic to the processor when making a marinade may retain the garlic smell even after a thorough wash.
If your recent vegetable smoothie seems fibrous, it might be because high-fiber raw vegetables were processed. While a food processor is good at blending fruits and vegetables, high-fiber veggies like celery can be challenging to blend finely in a food processor.
Before blending high-fiber vegetables in a food processor, chop and cook them first to keep the blades sharp and ensure proper processing. This way, the fiber content of the food remains intact during blending.
Additionally, do not put fresh ginger or ginger root directly into a food processor. The high fiber content in ginger will turn into a messy clump after processing, leaving only fibers behind. It is better to chop ginger with a knife.
You may have followed the trend of homemade cauliflower rice, using white cauliflower instead of pizza dough or rice. To achieve the desired texture for cauliflower rice, not too fine like a puree, it’s better to use a food processor carefully. However, it is advised to use a food processor to keep the cauliflower in small chunks.
A recent study by the National Food Safety Foundation (NFS) revealed that the amount of bacteria found in food processors ranked third, indicating a significant presence of bacteria. Bacteria tend to accumulate in the rubber sealing ring between the blades and the base of the container.
Experts also warn that often people neglect cleaning the blades properly due to the fear of cuts. Even the power cord is overlooked. Bacteria are everywhere, and although the power cord does not directly contact food, it can harbor dirt, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Simply put, any part of a food processor, from the top lid to the base, can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can then transfer to the food.
For thorough cleaning, experts recommend disassembling the food processor as much as possible, soaking all parts in hot soapy water for 30 seconds at a temperature of 171°F (77°C) to ensure disinfection.
Avoid soaking the base (with the motor) and power cord of the food processor. After cleaning all parts, use a towel soaked in hot soapy water to wipe down the base and power cord of the processor. Allow all parts to air dry before reassembling to prevent mold growth due to moisture.
In conclusion, ensuring the cleanliness of a food processor requires thorough cleaning of each part and surface to prevent bacterial contamination and maintain food safety.