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Orange Peeler Machine

LIVINGSTON, Guatemala- This is an orange peeler machine in Livingston, Guatemala. An orange is placed into the clamps, which are then tightened into place — little spikes stick into the orange’s peel to keep it steady — and then a crank is turned, the orange spins on its axis, and a small scoop is moved [...]

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LIVINGSTON, Guatemala- This is an orange peeler machine in Livingston, Guatemala. An orange is placed into the clamps, which are then tightened into place — little spikes stick into the orange’s peel to keep it steady — and then a crank is turned, the orange spins on its axis, and a small scoop is moved down a track which takes away the peel. This machine is simple, it is made from solid steel, and it makes the moderately arduous process of peeling an orange very simple.

It is not my impression that the people here have these peelers in their homes, rather it seems as if they are primarily used by produce venders who sell oranges in the streets.

The oranges in Guatemala are generally juicing oranges and have thick peels and tough skins, it is a little arduous to peel them by hand, so the vendors do it for you. Who wants to sit for ten minutes picking at the tough peels of a fruit?

I eat a lot more oranges in Guatemala.

This is a photo of the orange peeler machine in Guatemala.

Orange peeler machine fully loaded.

Filed under: Central America, Food, Guatemala, Technology

About the Author:

I am the founder and editor of Vagabond Journey. I’ve been traveling the world since 1999, through 91 countries. I am the author of the book, Ghost Cities of China and have written for The Guardian, Forbes, Bloomberg, The Diplomat, the South China Morning Post, and other publications. has written 3699 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.

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  • Debbie Goss April 3, 2010, 9:21 pm

    It looks suspiciously like an apple peeler to me.

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    • Wade | Vagabond Journey.com April 4, 2010, 9:31 am

      It is probably the same machine. Could definitely stuck an apple in it.
      Do people use these for peeling apples in the USA?

      Thanks,

      Wade

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    • Wade | Vagabond Journey.com April 4, 2010, 9:54 am

      It is probably the same machine. Could definitely stuck an apple in it.
      Do people use these for peeling apples in the USA?

      Chaya says, “Why would anyone need to peel apples, you can eat the skins?” Haha.

      Thanks,

      Wade

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  • Debbie Goss April 4, 2010, 12:23 pm

    They sell like hotcakes at the Fryeburg fair. People who make apple pies and/or lots of applesauce use them. If you are making pies or applesauce to preserve for the winter they are a wonderful tool.

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    • Wade | Vagabond Journey.com April 5, 2010, 9:56 am

      They seem pretty fun to use too.

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  • Gilbert December 14, 2011, 5:58 am

    I’m the among of the student on MIST-Tanzania who given an assignment /project of designing orange peeler machine like yours. Can you please assist me some information on designing it.

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