Sometimes it’s the most mundane, every day objects that give the most creative designers the inspiration to make pretty unique works of art. The salt and pepper shakers are probably things we’ve taken for granted but the origins of these two essential table objects were pretty important as salt was essential in preserving food and pepper was considered a “prize luxury” back in the day.
Designers: DECODE
A group of 60 Mexican designers have created a group exhibition called Sal & Pimienta that displays their own interpretations of the salt and pepper shaker. Aside from the creativity steeped in cultural and social aesthetics of Mexico, the creatively designed interpretations of these essentials invite people to understand the deep meanings the artist wants to convey and also explore the relationship between “gastronomy, design, and culture.” We’ll highlight some of the designs we found most interesting, although all 60 are pretty interesting and unique in their own right.
Leon Fernandez made 3d-printed shakers that explored the beauty of cellular structures and used new materials. Misasam used aluminum and glass to symbolize the fusion of technology and nature. Lenoir & Associates created a box-like wooden structure to represent mundane working life. Nachona Cadena employed ceramics to represent harmony and contrast in a piece that fit together like puzzle pieces. Gerardo Sandoval Osio uses the form of a traditional mortar but used black marble to show the connection between past and present. Montserrat Piña Bennetts wants to make a statement on how we observe the world by creating shakers that have an “eye” at the top of its tall structure made from white marble, jade, and obsidian.
Sofia Elias worked on latex, plastic, and aluminum to create a piece that shows both the organic and the synthetic in a playful and colorful form. Marisol Centeno Studio used 100% cotton in creating shakers that look like garlic or dumplings but convey the importance of human effort. Roberto Michelsen made something inspired by LEGO bricks as an homage to nostalgia and pop culture. Emilio Flores utilized cast bronze materials to create shakers that look like modern, abstract art. Ingrid Culebro Brown made use of natural stones, onyx, green marble and red travertine to pay tribute to nature and mineral wealth. Aldo Alvarez Tostado / Firestone used caobilla, horsehair and basalt to evoke volcanic landscapes and eroded surfaces.
I’m not a fan of the word ‘health freak’ because it has a negative connotation for people who genuinely and wholeheartedly want to focus on their holistic health and dedicate time and energy to bettering it. Of course, there are always a few people who take dedication to a whole other unhealthy level, but I do believe most of us have good intentions and balanced mindsets when it comes to taking care of our diet and health. I prefer the term ‘health nerd’ for this crowd, and if you’re a health nerd who has decided to not only consume but cook your healthy everyday meals, then you’ve reached the right spot. In an attempt to support your cooking plan and help you eat better, we’ve curated a collection of kitchen tools, appliances, and tableware that make healthy cooking easy and simple.
1. Cheat Sheets
Named the Cheat Sheets, these non-stick silicone dividers make healthy eating super easy. The sheets elevate ordinary oven cooking, converting a single baking tray into an innovative multi-compartment cooking surface. You can prepare multiple healthy dishes in one go, without wasting too many pans.
Why is it noteworthy?
The nifty Cheat Sheets convert a single sheet pan into a multi-portion culinary canvas. The sheets can fit six small or three large portions. They are a wonderful design for preparing healthy meals for the family, or to help you plan your weekly meals.
What we like
You can prepare multiple dishes in one tray
Allows you to cook different portions according to your requirement
What we dislike
The sheets are made from silicone, hence they can easily get dirty
2. Sustainable Cutlery Set
Sustainability is the current style and trending theme, and this guilt-free cutlery set will help you stay sustainable wherever you go. Named the Sustainable Cutlery Set, the utensils are made from Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GRP. The cutlery is light, durable, and sturdy, and they’re packed in recyclable packaging.
The Sustainable Cutlery Set is equipped with loads of mechanical strength, so even the toughest of steaks won’t break the knife and fork apart. The different elements of the set can be split in half, making them portable and easy to carry around. The parts can be screwed and unscrewed as well.
What we like
The set is sustainable and designed to last long
Portable form that makes it great for travel
What we dislike
The handles are pretty thin and may be inconvenient for larger hands
3. The Obsidian Black Salad & Serve Tongs
If you’re a healthy eater who loves his/her salads, then the Obsidian Black Salad & Serve Tongs are the one for you. The sleek dark black tongs will toss and serve your salads for you. One head resembles a spoon, while the other is shaped after a fork. The dark shade of the tongs perfectly contrasts with the stunning greens and veggies.
The salad tongs are a must-have for the healthy eaters. You can prepare and serve salads with ease. Besides salad, the tongs are also great for serving fruits and other veggie dishes. The tongs are also great for serving tabbouleh, coleslaw, and other light dishes.
What we like
The tongs are twice the strength of conventional tongs
Light, thin, and sturdy in form
What we dislike
Black color might not blend well with other tableware
4. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors
Meet the Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors – these all-black sleek scissors have been amped with a curved serrated blade, letting you cut and prepare your healthy meals with no mess. The scissors help you cut and divide your food, ensuring you have better portion control. Not to mention, the scissors will slice up your food pretty quickly too.
Besides being great for portion control, and a no-mess kitchen, the scissors radiate an aura of sleekness and style. They would be a good-looking addition to your kitchen countertop while letting you skillfully chop your veggies, meats, and more.
What we like
Equipped with a special curved serrated blade
Makes cutting an easy and efficient step in your cooking process
What we dislike
There are limited color options – only available in black
5. SmartPlate
Say hello to the SmartPlate portion control dish – this innovative design helps you reach your health goals. If you tend to overeat or undereat, this innovative device lets you easily calculate your carbs and calories in a meal with the help of a picture. You just need to place your food on the SmartPlate, take a pic of it, and upload it to the app.
Why is it noteworthy?
Once you upload the picture, you receive accurate results within five seconds, up to one gram of your food’s nutritional. The SmartPlate ensures you don’t need to measure all the ingredients separately at mealtime. The plate also maintains an organized diary of your meals, so you can easily prepare dishes again or share them with friends.
What we like
Lets you share your eating habits with a personal trainer and friends
Makes portion control easier and more manageable
What we dislike
You need to portion control with care, as excessive portion control can lead to unhealthy eating habits
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