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Cutting an avocado safely

Beginner Knife skills

Halving, pitting and cutting an avocado on the board without putting the knife anywhere near your hand.

By , founder of Pantry to Pan · Published · Updated

Written with AI help from the sources listed, and published by Cory. Spot a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.

How do you do it?

  1. Choose one that yields to gentle pressure; lay it on the board and cut lengthwise around the pit, holding it flat.

    1Choose one that yields to gentle pressure; lay it on the board and cut lengthwise around the pit, holding it flat.

  2. Twist the halves apart, then scoop the pit out with a spoon instead of whacking a knife into it.

    2Twist the halves apart, then scoop the pit out with a spoon instead of whacking a knife into it.

  3. Lay each half flat on the board, slice or dice the flesh with the tip of the knife, then scoop it out with a spoon.

    3Lay each half flat on the board, slice or dice the flesh with the tip of the knife, then scoop it out with a spoon.

  4. Squeeze lemon or lime on cut surfaces and press plastic wrap against them to slow browning.

    4Squeeze lemon or lime on cut surfaces and press plastic wrap against them to slow browning.

Why does it work?

The pit is hard and rounded, so a knife aimed at it in your palm can slip straight through the soft flesh into your hand, a common kitchen injury. Keeping the fruit on the board removes that risk. Cut avocado browns when an enzyme meets oxygen; acid slows the enzyme and plastic wrap blocks the air.

What are the common mistakes?

Still stuck? Watch someone do it on YouTube.

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