One of the most useful tools in any kitchen is a knife. Knives are used for many purposes, but one of the most common uses is cutting vegetables. However, there are right and wrong ways to cut vegetables so that they remain safe and healthy to eat. Here are some simple tips on how to properly cut vegetables with a knife without hurting yourself or someone else in the process:
Always use a sharp blade
Cut away from your body
Use a board if you can’t hold it safely
Always have someone else help you cut when appropriate
Keep the blade on the vegetable as much as possible and always use a hand on top to guide it through the cutting process
Using these simple tips, anyone can safely cut vegetables at home. Now go get your knife out so that you’re ready for next time!
As soon as I put my hands down, he lifted me from under my arms again without warning or care. Then he picked up his phone with one hand and dialed 911 with the other. “I’m here,” he shouted into our makeshift cell phone speakerphone thingie (whatever), “with Julie Swift.” That’s all they needed to know before transferring him over to dispatch–so we could wait for the paramedics to show up with a stretcher.
“What happened?” they asked at dispatch, before transferring him again over to one of our own firefighters who was in charge of fire/rescue services. “We were cutting vegetables,” I said–my voice shaking because my body felt so cold and numb all of a sudden–and he answered: “She stabbed her hand.”
My stomach twisted into knots as it sunk in that this wasn’t just an accident like I’d originally assumed (or hoped). This time, I really did need medical attention….
Basic Kitchen Knife Safety
If you can’t hold it safely always have someone else help you cut when appropriate – Keep blade on vegetable and use hand opposite to the blade
Cut away from yourself and other people in proximity; not towards them!
ALWAYS cut on a surface that can withstand it: cutting board, counter top, table or floor (NEVER your kitchen sink)
Try using an alternative method for chopping such as with scissors. If you must use knives make sure they are sharpened before starting. Dull blades require more force which increases risk of injury. Bring knuckles up when holding knife vs keeping fingers spread out so hand is flat on the handle – This will decrease likelihood of slipping over and/or having finger get pinched between blade and vegetable being chopped. For large chunks of vegetables try using serrated bread knife instead because it has strong grip and curved blade which means less force is needed
Steps to safely cut vegetables:
ALWAYS have a sharp blade on hand. Dull blades require more effort and increases the risk of injury. There are two types of knives dulling: one that happens gradually over time, or from misuse; another type is when you don’t sharpen your knife after using it so the edges become rounded off – NEVER use this kind of knife! Sharpening can be easy for small metal utensils like scissors but some larger ones might need professional help (like for kitchenware)
