If you're getting started with fermented foods or are just looking to take your knowledge to the next level, let us fermentoryou with some helpful tips for handling your shredder like a pro. For a more detailed look into the subject, be sure to check out our other writeup: How to Shred Cabbage Like Eddie Van Halen.
- This should go without saying, but here goes anyway: When using a cabbage shredder, or mandolin slicer use extreme caution. It's very easy, even if you are being careful to cut your finger on the razor sharp blades.
- Support the board itself at the bottom with your left hand as you work (if you are right handed) to keep it more stable. This seems like an obvious one... But you'd be surprised...
- Don't push or bear down on the cabbage as you are slicing. There's just no need. All you need to do is advance just enough cabbage to take the place of the amount you just sheared off.
- When possible, hold the carriage closer to the back rather than holding the cabbage itself.
- Use the pusher accessory to shred the last bits of each cabbage piece, to keep your fingers away from the blade.
- Remember the NES game Duck Hunter? You know how you had to "lead" the ducks" and aim a little in front of where they were flying? You need to "lead" your cabbage too. Aim PAST the blades as you slice, rather than stopping as soon as you hit them. It'll make your motions more fluid.
