Nobody has ever accused me of being a tech genius, but I am a great appreciator of modern gizmos. When nouveau gadgets find their way into my kitchen, I am a happy cook, nutritionist, and mom. Which is why I’m still taking about the spiralizer.

I put it to use the day I got it and the next night…and the following three nights. When something’s this good, I share.

If you haven’t heard about it yet (not on Instagram much?), the spiralizer is an uber cool tool that turns your favorite veggies into pasta like julienned works of art. Even if you failed finger painting in kindergarten, you’ll be a master at food styling with a spiralizer in your hands.

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Why Use a Spiralizer?

Regular pasta is flat out nutrient poor. There aren’t many health benefits lurking in the processed flour, eggs, and water that make it up. Still, it’s delicious and eliminating it seems extreme.

Enter the un-pasta of your dreams. You can spiralize zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and jicama (or even apples, beets, or whatever your heart desires) to make nutrient-dense, yummy pasta-ish creations.

When you turn your veggies into spaghetti-shaped eats, you get to keep all of the amazing nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. You can slurp ‘em down raw, pan sauteed, or steamed, and dress ‘em up with everything from pesto or marinara to Pad Thai or curry sauce. The recipes and ideas are only limited by your imagination (and we all have a little Jackson Pollock in us, right?).

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How to Choose a Spiralizer

I did the homework for you. If you are a New Yorker, like me, go for the spiralizer that fits neatly in your utensil drawer, stays sharp forever, and washes easily in the dishwasher.

If you have counter space and are looking for more varied shapes, try the countertop version, which offers changeable blades that will unleash your inner food-artist.

I love this gadget as an omnivore, but if you are looking for a gift for your gluten-free, Paleo, or raw foodie friend, it’s a perfect tool, because the un-noodle is a perfect ingredient for any type of eater. Happy spiralizing!