Shears, also known as kitchen scissors, can be incredibly useful in a commercial or restaurant kitchen for various tasks. Here are some tasks that are generally better performed with shears than knives:
Poultry preparation: Shears are excellent for trimming and cutting through poultry, such as removing the backbone, cutting along the breastbone, or portioning chicken into smaller pieces. They provide better control and maneuverability compared to a knife.
Herb and vegetable trimming: Shears are ideal for quickly and precisely snipping fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and trimming the leaves or stems of vegetables like green beans or asparagus. Their sharp blades and easy handling allow for efficient work.
Opening packaging: Shears are great for opening and cutting through packaging materials like plastic wrap, food packaging, or even tough clamshell packaging. They provide a safer and more controlled option than using a knife, reducing the risk of injury.
Butchery tasks: Shears can be handy for various butchery tasks, such as cutting through bones, cartilage, or tendons. They can help with tasks like trimming fat, removing silverskin, or portioning meat into smaller cuts.
Cutting pizza or flatbreads: Shears can be a convenient tool for slicing pizzas, flatbreads, or quesadillas directly in the pan or on the serving tray. They allow for precise cutting without scratching non-stick surfaces or damaging pans.
Seafood preparation: Shears can assist in deveining shrimp, removing fins from fish, or cracking crab or lobster shells. They provide control and strength when dealing with these types of seafood.
Remember to use dedicated kitchen shears that are designed for food preparation, as they are typically more durable, easy to clean, and resistant to corrosion.