Learn about the importance of using a skimmer in cooking, particularly when making bone broth. Improve the flavor and quality of your broths and stocks with this simple but essential kitchen tool.
What Is a Skimmer And What Is It Used For?
A skimmer is a utensil used in cooking to remove impurities or unwanted items from a liquid. It removes things such as foam or fat from the surface of a stock or broth. When making bone broth, a skimmer is a useful tool for removing any impurities that rise to the surface during the simmering process.
In our class on nourishing bone broth with instructor Sally Fallon Morell, she shares some of the utensils that you will need for making bone broth. The first utensil she teaches about is a skimmer. She explains that there are holes in it that strain out all of the fat and buildup that floats to the top of your broth.
To learn more about our class with Sally Fallon Morell and our other subjects, visit the School of Traditional Skills here.
Are There Different Types of Skimmers?
Yes, there are different types of skimmers that are designed for specific purposes in the kitchen. Here are a few examples:
- Perforated Skimmer: This is the most common type of skimmer. It’s used for removing solids and impurities from liquids, such as foam or fat from the surface of soups or broths. Perforated skimmers have a flat, perforated head that allows liquids to pass through while capturing solids.
- Spider Skimmer: A spider skimmer is a type has a larger, deeper basket than a perforated skimmer. It is designed to drain larger quantities of food, such as dumplings, vegetables, or shrimp from boiling water or oil.
- Fat Separator: A fat separator is a type of skimmer that’s designed to separate fat from liquids, such as pan drippings or broth. It has a spout at the bottom that allows you to pour off the liquid, while the fat stays in the separator.
When choosing a skimmer, it’s important to consider the type of food you’ll be cooking. It’s also good to know the size of the pot or pan you’ll be using. A good skimmer should be durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.
Why Should I Use A Skimmer?
Using a skimmer is a simple but important step in the process of making bone broth. By removing impurities from the broth, you can improve its flavor and quality. Skimmers are also useful for removing vegetables, meat, or other solids from a broth or stock.
If you’d like to learn more traditional skills such as pressure canning, traditional sourdough bread, raising pasture meat chickens and more, visit our classes here.
