Christmas season is just around the corner. The most wonderful and jolly time of the year is here, and everyone’s excited. It’s the time for gift-giving, a time to show how much we love and appreciate our close friends and family. You might have found a gift for your mother that loves to cook or your sister that loves to read, but have you found a gift for your butcher friend? If not, here are a few gift ideas for your Christmas list.
Apron
You may think this is just a regular apron and there’s nothing special about it. But think twice. These aprons are specially designed for the work a butcher does and they have several special characteristics. They keeps the butchers safe and clean, and make them look stylish. When you decide to buy butchers apron online or at the local store, keep a few things in mind.
Source: northshorelinens.com
Everything starts with good, high-quality materials, and they’re a big part of the apron’s durability. This is important because these people are constantly exposed to sharp knives and tools. This means they need a sturdy material that won’t wear and tear after only a couple of days. Kevlar and leather are two of the most popular ones. They can be a bit pricy, but worth the investment.
When you buy a butchers apron online you should also ensure that it comes with many pockets. Butchers have a lot of tools they handle, and multiple pockets will save a lot of trips to the counter or the back of the room. Plus, they’ll be more organised and know where their tools are.
The apron needs to be cleaned frequently for two reasons. First of all, it stops the spread of bacteria. Also, it keeps the apron tidy for the clients. But this is possible if you choose the right material. The two best options when it comes to cleaning are nylon and plastic. But they can be uncomfortable to wear. The third, and probably the best option, is leather.
It’s an organic material, it’s breathable, comfortable and easy to clean at the same time. The apron you choose from the butcher apron suppliers should also be lightweight and have adjustable straps. This way your friend can customise it according to their needs. If you can get one with straps that cross in the back, it’ll be a perfect choice.
The straps help distribute the weight evenly, and your friend won’t get any neck pain or shoulder strain. And last but not least, you should choose one that’s stylish. Choose an apron that reflects their personal style and character. If you have the chance, you can even personalise it with their name or logo.
Cleaver
This is one of the most commonly used tools by butchers. Besides having a variety of different knives to handle the meat, the cleaver is the basic one. The three most important things to consider are the handle, the blade, and the material. Carbon steel is a good choice. It’s strong with great natural properties and will stay sharp longer.
But it can rust easily and leave a metallic taste to the meat. Another choice is stainless steel. This is the ultimate cleaver material because it’s rust-resistant and durable. The blade’s height and length affect its efficiency. Its ideal length would be around 17-20cm and the height around 8cm. It’ll be easy to control and handle.
The blade’s thickness also has an important role in its function. The ideal one would be a sharp cutting edge with around 15-17 degrees in angle. Of course, the lighter the blade the better for your friend. Their hands and wrists won’t hurt from the cleaver’s weight, and they’ll be able to work faster and more efficiently.
Manufacturers nowadays create handles that are ergonomic and fit into the hand perfectly. You can find handles made of metal, wood, or plastic. Each of them has its ups and downs. Plastic is easy to grip but can melt in high temperatures. Wood is sturdy but can be a gathering spot for bacteria. Most importantly, make sure the handle is well-balanced.
Butcher Block
This is a wooden surface that butchers use in their shops as a cutting surface. It has to be thick because it’ll be used a lot and very often. It has a minimalist style. A simple look that’s very practical. The most important thing is the sturdiness it gets from the material.
Walnut blocks are very popular nowadays. They’re very durable and resilient. They can withstand a lot of scratches and hits. The ones made from cherry or hickory are also high-quality. They both have characteristic grains that make the block look marvellous and unique. Your friend will find them easy to clean and maintain as well.
Seasoning Basket
This can be a very interesting gift to combine. It’s fun and creative and you can make it very personal. Every butcher loves meat and probably knows a lot of ways to prepare and cook it. No matter if it’s seared, grilled or baked, meat requires seasoning with the right herbs and spices. If you buy a butcher’s apron you can combine it with a seasoning basket and create the perfect gift.
Source: buzzfeed.com
You have so many options to choose from. Depending on the cooking style your friend likes, you can go Asian, Mediterranean, Indian or a mix of each. Besides spices such as cinnamon, bay leaves, espresso rub, oregano, cumin and Italian seasoning, you can add fresh herbs. They’re always a good way to add freshness and more flavour to the meat.
Thyme, parsley, chives, basil, and rosemary are just some of the options. You could make small bouquets and scatter them around the basket. If you don’t like the original packaging of the spices, buy small jars and transfer them inside. You can even label them with markers and tags. This is a gift your friend will truly appreciate and remember for a long time.
Knife Sharpener
With all the cutting and meat prep they do, butchers have to sharpen their knives very often. A sharpener is one of those things that they have to replace often and giving this as a gift will be perfect. Manual sharpeners are lightweight and easy to operate. They sharpen both sides of the knife at the same time.
Electrical ones have disks or wheels that are motorised. Some of them have 2 or 3 levels of sharpness that can be very practical to a butcher. Whetstones are old-school equipment that many butchers prefer. Be creative this Christmas, and give your friend the best that they deserve.