Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on October 23, 2024
Many people get injured while cutting an avocado; here’s how to do it safely
Thousands of people each year suffer from cuts and lacerations while cutting avocados
Avocado hand injuries are on the rise! (Source: Freepik)
Once a relatively unknown fruit, avocado has surged in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, this rise has led to a corresponding increase in a peculiar type of injury: avocado hand.
Thousands of people each year suffer from cuts and lacerations while cutting avocados. Surgeons have become so familiar with these injuries that they have coined the term “avocado hand” to describe them. The slippery nature of the fruit often causes people to lose their grip and accidentally cut themselves.
These injuries can be severe, sometimes resulting in severed nerves or tendons. Additionally, attempting to remove the avocado pit with the knife’s tip can lead to accidental stab wounds.
A study published in 2020 by Emory University revealed the extent of the problem, with over 50,000 people in the United States seeking emergency room treatment for avocado-related knife injuries between 1998 and 2017.
Dr Eric Wagner, a professor of orthopaedic surgery, emphasised the severity of these injuries in a conversation with The Washington Post, “I’ve treated people who’ve cut off a finger while slicing an avocado. Cutting an avocado seems so harmless, but we’ve seen some pretty bad injuries from it. By far and away the most injuries I’ve seen are from avocado injuries.”
As such, here’s a proper method to ensure you can enjoy this nutritious fruit without accidents, according to inputs from dietician Suhani Seth Agarwal and Kanikka Malhotra, a consultant nutritionist and diabetes educator.
urgeons have become so familiar with these injuries that they have coined the term “avocado hand” to describe them. (Source: Freepik)
Prepare your Workspace: Start with a stable cutting board. You can place a damp towel underneath the board to prevent it from slipping.
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Choose a Ripe Avocado: A soft, ripe avocado is easier to cut with less force, lowering the risk of injury.
Slice Lengthwise: Hold the avocado firmly on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a small incision near the stem end, and slice downwards lengthwise around the pit. Twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them.
Remove the Pit: For the half containing the pit, use a towel to hold the avocado in place. Gently tap the knife into the pit and twist to remove it, or use a spoon to scoop it out, which is a safer option.
Cut the Flesh: Place the avocado half flat on the cutting board. Make your desired cuts into the flesh, stopping just before reaching the skin. Finally, use a spoon to scoop out the slices or cubes.
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Safety Tips: Always cut away from yourself, work slowly, and consider using specialized avocado slicers, which can make the process safer.
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