Even The Simple Things - Tomato & Other Corers

I Miss My RV Kitchen!

    Since I'm stuck NOT taking RV trips nor working on RV improvements and modifications, I tend to shop, more than I should. Looking for strange and wonderful items to write about. While wandering through one of my favorite discount liquidation shops, I came across a really odd gadget. Something I had never seen before. A Tomato corer. Hmmm...I usually take a knife and remove the stem and rough top of tomato and pretty much eat the rest. Hey, what can I say... I Like tomatoes. I bought it anyway. I mean it was evil looking for a utensil. I wasn't exactly sure what I would use it for, but at only $1.99 it would, at least, make an interesting conversation piece.

This thing is very hard to describe! (Good thing I have pictures!) It's a plastic bulb with 4 serrated triangular, scooped "teeth" at the top. On the bottom there is a spring loaded button that, when depressed, cause the 4 "blades" to open. Almost like an alligator, with 4 jaws. The idea is you press the button to extend the jaws, insert it into the top of the tomato, release the button, twist and pull out the entire core. OK. Seems simple enough. And it works. But, I had to ask myself, "Why?" It's just as easy (maybe even easier) to simply use a knife to remove the cores. AND you have to eject the core from the device each time, hardly seems like a time or labor savor.

After taking a closer look at this kitchen gadget, I noticed it looks like it could do you some harm when used, I mean, LOOK AT THE TEETH! The spring is quite sturdy. It's hard to keep the jaws open. Tomatoes can be slippery (or soft) Sounds like a recipe for a clipped fingertip. They do NOT make good salad garnish. I find lots of gizmos and gadgets that I've never seen, while on my travels. Most of the time there is an actual PURPOSE for them. This little tool...not so much. I've been trying to come up with alternate uses for this thing. After all, it IS a great conversation piece. But so far....nothing? Let me know if you have some ideas.

Today, the weather has actually been MUCH better than in the past several months. I can see snow melting and maybe, just maybe, I will be able to get into my RV and begin the Spring Re-Awakening process. Lots of great projects to do this year! Lots!! Stay Tuned.

Be Seeing You...Down The Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com