The Best Strawberry Huller

Strawberries are among the most delicious summer fruits but preparing them can be a pain. This is especially true if you’re serving them in large quantities. You have to remove the stem, then hollow out the center. True, you can eat around the core and stem, then toss it in the trash, but that doesn’t work if you’re using them in a dish like pie or shortcake.

If you’ve ever hulled strawberries, you know how much work it can be. Technically, you could just slice off the top of the strawberry, but then you’re tossing the very edible area around the stem in the trash, as well. Instead, hulling means inserting a knife near the stem, then cutting in a circular motion.

There’s an easier way, though. With the right tool, you can remove the disposable part and leave the rest of the fruit intact. These tools will take out the stems and leaves in a quick, easy motion. Some even feature a fun design that adds a little whimsy to your food prep.

But there are several different types of hullers, each of which uses a different method for extracting the stem and leaves. Some use a claw-like end to grab the leaves so that you can twist and pull. Others are more like a straw, which takes out the entire core of the strawberry, leaving a small hole in the center. But one favorite type of huller is like a tiny ice cream scoop, which allows you to quickly dive in and grab only the leaves and stem at the very top.

While the type of huller you choose is a matter of personal preference, it’s important to look at how they each work to make sure you know what you’re getting. If you’re giving a huller at a gift, there are plenty of novelty designs that will definitely inspire a smile when they unwrap it.

• Although most hullers are fairly easy to clean, when working with items that can leave sticky residue behind, a good practice is to rinse it with warm water after using to keep liquids from hardening.
• Like knives and other utensils with blades, you may want to hand wash your huller whether it promotes itself as dishwasher safe or not. It could help keep the blade sharp longer.
• Some find hull removal easier if they twist off the leaves first. By doing so, you’ll be better able to see what you’re doing.
• Strawberry hullers can make great gifts. Some feature a fun novelty design that makes them great for housewarming parties or as stocking stuffers during the holidays.
• Not all strawberry hullers are made of durable materials. If you plan to use it frequently invest in one designed to last.
• Strawberry hulling can be tedious work. Look for a huller with an ergonomic handle, in a comfortable size for your own hands, to avoid fatigue when hulling a large pile of strawberries.
• Although ergonomics and comfort are important, there are benefits to a more compact huller. You’ll likely find they’re easier to store, plus they tuck into a silverware slot in your dishwasher.
• Some hullers take more out of the strawberry than others. One that blasts a hole through the center, for instance, may not leave enough fruit for you to enjoy.
• Strawberries aren’t the only foods you need to core. Some hullers also work with tomatoes, carrots and other fruits and vegetables requiring removal of a concentrated area.
• If you plan to use your strawberry huller for foods other than strawberries, look for one that can handle the size of the fruits or vegetables you’ll be using it on. If you need to core tomatoes, for instance, you may find that a smaller huller can’t do the job like a tomato corer, which is designed for the larger size.