Corers

Corers are tools designed to remove the cores from fruits and vegetables, most commonly apples and pears, though specialized versions exist for pineapples, strawberries, and other produce. The core is the central portion that contains seeds or inedible tissue, and coring facilitates stuffing, baking, canning, or easier eating by removing this portion with minimal waste.

The typical form is a cylindrical blade mounted on a handle. A basic apple corer consists of a sharp circular ring attached to a shaft or handle; pressing the ring into the fruit and pulling it out extracts the core. More complex models include pineapple corers, which cut a circular channel and often slice the fruit, and dual-purpose corers that combine coring with slicing. Rotary or pneumatic corers are used in larger or commercial settings to process multiple items quickly. Some corers integrate a serrated edge to aid in cutting through tougher skins or fruit flesh.

Materials and care: most corers are built from stainless steel blades with plastic or wooden handles, though some models are fully stainless steel. They are designed for easy cleaning and are available in dishwasher-safe variants, though hand washing can extend blade life and maintain sharpness. Proper drying after washing helps prevent rust in non-stainless components.

Use and limitations: corers are versatile for home cooking, school kitchen projects, and some professional kitchens. They are most effective on uniformly shaped fruits and may require different sizes to match fruit diameter. For clutter-free preparation, corers are often used in conjunction with other tools such as peeling devices or slicers.