Avocado, that delicate fruit that deserves all your attention
Avocado has become a staple in our kitchens, whether for breakfast toast, a composed salad, or homemade guacamole. Yet, cutting it can sometimes be tricky: stubborn pit, flesh that oxidizes, fingers at risk... Don’t panic! Here are 10 proven tips to master the art of cutting an avocado like a chef.
1. Choosing an Avocado at the Right Ripeness
Before even thinking about cutting, it all starts with choosing the avocado. A perfect avocado for cutting should yield slightly under gentle thumb pressure without being too soft. Its skin should be uniform, without excessive black spots.
Pro Tip: If your avocado is still too firm, place it in a paper bag with a banana for 24 to 48 hours. The ethylene released by the banana will speed up ripening.
2. Using the Right Knife
A well-sharpened knife is essential for a clean and safe cut. Prefer a chef’s knife or a paring knife with a blade about 15-20 cm long.
A Damascus-style knife set, perfect for cutting avocados precisely
3. The Technique for Perfectly Halving
Hold the avocado firmly in one hand and, with your knife, make a vertical incision all around the fruit following the pit. Gently twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them.
Safety Tip: Never cut an avocado in your hand without protection. Always use a stable cutting board.
4. Removing the Pit Safely
Here’s the chefs’ technique: firmly plant the blade of your knife into the pit (about 1 cm deep), then gently twist the knife. The pit will come off easily. Then remove it from the knife using a cloth.
Safe Alternative: Use a tablespoon to lever under the pit and remove it safely.
5. The Magic Tool: The 3-in-1 Avocado Cutter
For those who regularly consume avocados, investing in a multifunctional avocado cutter can really make a difference. This utensil combines cutting, pitting, and scooping the flesh in one motion.
The 3-in-1 avocado cutter: safety and efficiency guaranteed
6. Cutting into even slices
Once the pit is removed, you have two options for cutting the flesh:
Option 1 - In the skin: With a knife, gently score the flesh without piercing the skin, then scoop out the pieces with a spoon.
Option 2 - Out of the skin: First scoop out the flesh with a spoon, then cut it on a board. This method allows for more regular slices, ideal for neat presentations.
7. The perfect dice technique
To get uniform avocado cubes (perfect for salads or poke bowls), use a specialized avocado slicer that cuts the flesh into regular cubes in one motion.
Perfect cubes in seconds, without risk of injury
8. Preventing oxidation: lemon, your best ally
Avocado oxidizes quickly when exposed to air, turning an unappetizing brownish color. To slow this process:
- Immediately drizzle the flesh with lemon or lime juice
- Citric acid creates a protective barrier against oxidation
- Bonus: it also enhances the flavor of the avocado
Alternative: A little olive oil on the surface also works, while adding a touch of flavor.
9. Preserving a half-used avocado
If you only use half an avocado, here’s how to preserve the other half:
- Keep the pit in the unused half (it limits oxidation of the central area)
- Brush the surface with lemon juice
- Wrap tightly in cling film, pushing out the air
- Place in the refrigerator, flesh side down in a container
- Consume within 24-48 hours
10. Mistakes to absolutely avoid
For a perfect cut, avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Cutting an avocado that is too hard
You risk injuring yourself and the flesh will be inedible. Patience is the mother of safety!
❌ Using a dull knife
A dull knife slips and greatly increases the risk of accidents. Invest in a good sharpener or have your knives sharpened regularly.
❌ Throwing away the pit too quickly
As mentioned, the pit helps preserve the unused half. Plus, you can sprout it to get a nice indoor plant!
❌ Neglecting hygiene
Always wash the avocado before cutting it, even if you don’t eat the skin. The knife can transfer bacteria from the surface to the flesh.
Advanced techniques for enthusiasts
The avocado rose
To impress your guests, master the avocado rose technique: cut the avocado into thin slices, arrange them in a slightly overlapping line, then gently roll to form a rose. Perfect for decorating your plates!
The avocado fan
Cut half an avocado into thin slices without completely detaching them from the base, then press lightly to create an elegant fan effect.
The benefits of avocado: why consume it?
Beyond its creamy texture and delicate taste, the avocado is a superfood:
- Rich in healthy fats: Monounsaturated fatty acids promote cardiovascular health
- Source of fiber: Improves digestion and provides a feeling of fullness
- Vitamins and minerals: Potassium, vitamins K, E, C, and B6
- Antioxidants: Lutein and zeaxanthin, beneficial for eye health
Quick recipe ideas with your perfectly cut avocado
Quick avocado toast
Coarsely mash your avocado, add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and Espelette pepper. Spread on toasted bread and add a poached egg for a complete breakfast.
Fresh composed salad
Mix your avocado cubes with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta, pumpkin seeds, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Homemade guacamole
Mash 2 avocados, add 1 diced tomato, 1/2 chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and chili. Serve with corn chips.
Conclusion: practice leads to perfection
Cutting an avocado perfectly is a skill that is learned and perfected with practice. By following these 10 tips, you will avoid accidents, reduce waste, and fully enjoy this delicious fruit. Remember: the right tool often makes all the difference between a laborious cut and a smooth, safe gesture.
Whether you choose the traditional knife method or specialized utensils, the key is to find the technique that suits you best. So, get your avocados ready, and enjoy your meal!
