I have nothing new to add but I love Swiss Star or Victoronix Swiss peelers. They are simple, classic and work extremely well. I also like small microplanes or a good silicone spoonula (so versatile).

Vintage is a great idea and brought back memories of a unique vintage kitchen supply store called Cookin' in San Francisco. It closed on January 1st as the 80 year old owner retired. The owner was famously cranky and the store looked like a hoarder's paradise but she knew where every plate, utensil, pot and tool was located. Every bit of obscure object was covered, and she sourced directly from flea markets in France and other places. It was a treasure trove of things from odd vintage kitchen tools to vintage thick copper pots.

One of those silicone handle covers for hot handles, like those on cast iron skillets.

▪️ https://www.walmart.com/ip/VOUKER-Silicone-Pan-Handle-Covers-Non-Slip-Heat-Resistant-Pot-Handle-Sleeve-Grips-Red/21098460894?classType=REGULAR&adsRedirect=true

Little Key chain folding knife — comes in handy for opening mail, packages, etc., or for cutting flowers, twine.

▪️https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pocket-Knife-Utility-Blade-Mini-Folding-Knife-with-Wood-Handle-for-Keychain-Gifts-1-Count/19162314015?classType=VARIANT&from=/search

I think I still have one of those in burnt orange, chloe 🙂

Any apple that is old or improperly stored, but especially modern Red Delicious and closely followed by Golden Delicious. The tough skins I'm guessing is part of selecting for durability in shipping. New crop of any variety is usually better, and the shorter the shipping distance the better.

The same apple fresh from a tree is a different beast. Frequently you can get good ones at the Farmer's markets with local sourcing restrictions.

My best friend in childhood had apple trees on their property. During Fall their unheated back porch would have bushels of apples in there, and the smell of lots of apples like that instantly takes me back to being 5. Great smell, great memory....thanks Olychick. 😊

My dad used to travel all around a New England state. In October he made a point to come home with a large box crate of freshly picked apples. Macs, I think. As @Ally De noted above, this was a fantastic aroma and any fall when I’m around apples at a farm stand, the memory of the apples comes back to me. Such a clean delicious fragrance, holding the promise of snappy bites, homemade apple pies and apple sauce.