6 foods you should never grind in blender
What food shouldn't be put in a blender (illustration: Freepik)
A blender is a useful cooking appliance that makes life much easier. However, despite the popular belief that it is suitable for anything, some foods should not be ground in the appliance - this can lead to spoilage, according to Real Simple.
Hot liquid or food
There is often such a step in a cream soup recipe as blending everything until it is smooth in a blender. However, putting very hot ingredients in the blender can damage the appliance.
An immersion blender may be better suited for this function, but if you don't have one, cool the ingredients before putting them into the blender.
Coffee beans
Although you can technically try to use your blender as a coffee grinder, it's not the best choice. Over time, regular grinding of coarse coffee beans will cause the blades to become dull.
However, you will never get evenly ground beans due to the design of the blender.
Ice
Like coffee beans, ice cubes should not be placed in a blender as they can damage the appliance, dull the blades, and the ice will not be properly crushed.
However, there is an exception for adding ice to smoothies and cocktails, as the other ingredients will help break up the ice. At the same time, it is important not to overload the blender.
Dried fruits
Fruit, fresh or frozen, can be ground in a blender. However, do not put dried fruit in the blender.
What not to grind in a blender (illustration: Freepik)
The leathery, hard texture of dried fruit can cause the mechanism of the appliance to clog.
Cooked potatoes
It may come as a surprise, but putting potatoes in a blender is a big no-no. A few minutes after grinding the finished potatoes, the starch and liquid will create a texture similar to a gummy rubber.
So, if you want to make silky mashed potatoes, it is better to use a meat grinder or mash the potatoes by hand, a blender is not the best option.
Almonds and other nuts
Whole nuts can damage the blender beyond repair. Even when making plant-based milk, soak the nuts first to soften them before grinding.
If you need nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for salads or desserts, it is best to chop them with a knife.
Earlier we reported on how to store fruit properly.
Read also about what things clutter up the kitchen space.
