The Tin Colander

The colander was a very important tool handmade  by the  local  Amana tinsmith.  It was used extensively  in the old Amana communal kitchens to handle large quanties of food that needed to be drained. The large, bowl shaped  utensil had holes on the bottom, usually in a star or flower pattern, a base, and handles, all hand applied. The perforated bottom  allowed  liquid  to  drain through while retaining the solids as vegetables and fruits inside. This was one tool that made all the difference  in old Amana communal kitchens while prepping  food. The large size made it very useful and appealing.  The Colanders were sometimes called sieves from the Latin word colum meaning sieve.