Grate tomato flesh into a bowl by pressing the sliced side of the tomato against the big holes of a box grater. Three corrugated feet on the base, or two ears on the rim plus the handle, fit on the rim of a cooking pot and hold the mill in position over it.

It features sturdy construction with stainless steel augers, an aluminum bowl with a ribbed bottom, heavy-duty wood handles, and replaceable blades. The flatter that blade, the more efficiently it will push food through the grinding disc instead of just spinning it in the bowl.Alternatively, you can transfer the pureed mixture into an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to six months. Set up the food mill with your desired grinding disc size along with a bowl or pot to capture the purée. A mouli is a hand-operated kitchen utensil that is used to process food by pushing the food over a grating disc. A two-litre mill should be enough for most people’s needs, but if you plan to use a mill more often, consider getting a three-litre model.

It works so well that even the tiniest seeds—like those in raspberries—don’t pass through the sieve as food is processed. And just ask any homesteader or canning enthusiast what their favorite time-saving tools are, and you can bet the food mill is right up there at the top of the list. You may want to make room for it in your daily-use kitchen space, as it can also be used to mash potatoes, cream soups, and purée baby food. The unique vertical plate that is built into the device will ensure that food particles are not trapped in the structure. Shallow angle grinding plates that are close to the milling disk are better at moving food with efficiency.For instance, with mashed potatoes, using small holes in the grid will create an especially creamy texture while larger holes will yield chunky potatoes. You can mill moderate amounts of fruits and veggies in one batch with the stainless steel bowl’s capacity of 2 quarts. It’s important not to over-process any foods at this stage as it could turn your mixture into an unappetizing soup. This is because a food mill can simultaneously purée and strain foods so efficiently that it renders the once tedious task of peeling fruit and vegetables obsolete. Remember: Overloading a food mill or forcing the pureed food through the food mill’s holes may result in tearing or breaking of the hopper or chain that attaches it to the appliance.