If you’ve ever dug through an old kitchen drawer at your grandparents’ house, you’re probably familiar with an odd-looking tool that has sharp prongs and a wooden or metal handle. That little gadget was a strawberry stem remover, and it was an essential for anyone who spent time baking, canning or simply enjoying fresh strawberries.
In an age of utensils with complex functions and appliances powered by high tech, this simple tool may seem outdated. But it’s worth revisiting. The strawberry stem remover wasn’t glamorous but got the job done — and it still does in many kitchens.
The strawberry stem remover is a small, handheld tool that specializes in just one task: removing the green, leafy stem and hull of a strawberry quickly and cleanly. Most versions have a spring-loaded mechanism or claw-like prongs that hold on to the top of the strawberry. With a fast twist and yank, you can pull the stem clean off without slicing into the fruit.
The tool is convenient and saves time, especially when prepping multiple strawberries for pies, jams or fruit salads. And unlike using a knife, it leaves less waste. You get more of the fruit, and your hands stay clean and the process tidy.