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This little-known kitchen utensil will surprise you

This little-known kitchen utensil will surprise you

Mathieu Dubus | 6/6/24, 4:59 PM

The kitchen is full of instruments, whether for cooking or cutting. But some of them are little-known and can prove surprisingly practical.

Colander, knife, hen's bottom, casserole dish and many other utensils can be found in everyone's kitchen. Since man first settled down, he has never ceased to innovate, especially when it comes to cooking. Creating objects to perform all the tasks required to feed, preserve and cut food. So, we learn about knives for fish, butter, snail tongs and so on. All have uses that are almost unique to the foods for which they are designed, saving us from many an inconvenience.

A practical vintage object for this seasonal product

There's also a utensil for a seasonal product that's the star of our plates from spring to early summer: asparagus. Whether white or green, asparagus is not always easy to eat. Although it's always a popular choice, sometimes accompanied by a vinaigrette, a sabayon or a hollandaise sauce, as at Paul Bocuse. That's why, for at least two centuries, it's been possible to find a pair of tongs designed to make it easier to place in the mouth.

Beyond its primary use, over time this little-known utensil can turn out to be a veritable collector's item. Your guests, unaccustomed to tasting spring asparagus in this way, may well find themselves wondering what to do with it. Most often, it takes the form of a scissors clamp or shank. But some pieces, with their highly precise design, can quickly be compared to luxury cutlery. There are asparagus tongs to suit every budget. Whether you're looking for practical tongs, or a gift of fine collectibles for an epicurean, it's possible. A proposal that will almost certainly surprise the lucky recipient.

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