Does One Thing Very Well: Chef’n Strawberry Huller

We’re normally quite adamant about avoiding unitaskers (hello Yonanas!). But from time to time there are exceptions. Strawberry hullers fall into the same camp as

cherry pitters

There are so many recipes and amazing summery dishes that call for strawberries — sometimes a lot of strawberries. One of my least favorite tasks is cutting off the stems, because it takes quite a bit of time. While it can often be a mind-numbing, almost relaxing, task, sometimes I just want to get the job done quickly.

Of course the strawberry huller is not a tool for everyone. Those with tiny kitchens and those who avoid unitaskers at all costs will pass on by. But this time of year, I think it’s super handy. It saves me a good deal of time when removing the stems and tops from strawberries and that is A-OK with me!

This model from Chef’n is fun to use, too. Press the push button and the pointed end of the huller opens up into a claw that grabs the top of the strawberry. It hulls each berry neatly, cleanly, and efficiently, leaving much more fruit behind than when we slice the top out with a paring knife. Its simple design makes it extremely easy to use and it’s even dishwasher safe.

Besides its easy time-saving merits, it’s also a handy tool for using strawberries in creative ways. I came across a cute recipe for strawberry cups on The Fresh Fridge. Core the strawberries with the huller and fill them with homemade whipped cream and top with blueberries! It’s a fun, festive and summery treat that will definitely be a crowd pleaser.

• Find it: Chef’n Strawberry Huller, $7.95 at Williams-Sonoma

Where are you at on the strawberry huller (and for that matter, the cherry/olive pitter)? Do they earn a place in your tool drawer? Or do you stick to paring knives and pastry tips?

Related: Red & Juicy: 15 Sweet Treats with Strawberries

(Images: Williams-Sonoma, The Fresh Fridge)