Have you ever struggled to slice a mango, ended up with a messy tomato, or found yourself wasting half an avocado just trying to get the seed out? You’re not alone!
Most of us have been cutting fruits and vegetables wrong for years, either making the process harder than it should be or wasting edible parts. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this guide, we’ll reveal 10 common fruits and veggies you’re probably cutting wrong and show you the right techniques to make prep faster, easier, and less wasteful.
1. Mango 🥭 – The Grid Method is the Best!
❌ Wrong Way: Peeling first, then slicing (which makes it slippery and messy).
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Cut off both sides of the mango along the pit.
2️⃣ Score the flesh in a grid pattern (without cutting through the skin).
3️⃣ Flip the skin inside out, then scoop out the cubes with a spoon.
💡 Bonus Tip: Use a glass rim to scoop out mango slices effortlessly!
3. Bell Peppers (Capsicum) 🫑 – The No-Mess Method!
❌ Wrong Way: Cutting it in half first, leading to seeds flying everywhere.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Cut off the top and bottom of the pepper.
2️⃣ Make a vertical slice and roll it open, removing the seeds in one go.
3️⃣ Slice or dice as needed.
💡 Bonus Tip: Keep the top and bottom for stir-fries or stocks—no waste!
4. Tomatoes 🍅 – Use a Serrated Knife!
❌ Wrong Way: Using a dull chef’s knife, which squishes the tomato.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Use a serrated knife (like a bread knife) for clean slices.
2️⃣ If dicing, cut the tomato in half, place cut-side down, then slice.
💡 Bonus Tip: To quickly halve cherry tomatoes, place them between two plates and slice across with one motion.
5. Pineapple 🍍 – The Spiral Cut Method!
❌ Wrong Way: Cutting off the skin in thick chunks, losing too much flesh.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Cut off both ends, then stand it upright.
2️⃣ Slice down the sides to remove the outer skin.
3️⃣ Cut diagonal grooves to remove the “eyes” in a spiral pattern.
4️⃣ Slice into rings, chunks, or wedges as needed.
💡 Bonus Tip: Keep the pineapple core—it’s edible, fibrous, and great for smoothies!
6. Watermelon 🍉 – The Stick Method!
❌ Wrong Way: Cutting into triangular wedges, making it messy to eat.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Slice the watermelon in half.
2️⃣ Place cut-side down, then slice into strips vertically and horizontally to create watermelon sticks.
💡 Bonus Tip: Watermelon sticks are perfect for kids and much easier to handle!
7. Garlic 🧄 – Smash & Peel in Seconds!
❌ Wrong Way: Peeling garlic by hand, taking forever.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Place the clove under the flat side of a knife.
2️⃣ Give it a quick smash with your palm—the skin slides right off!
💡 Bonus Tip: To peel multiple cloves at once, shake them in a jar for 10 seconds.
8. Carrots 🥕 – The Angled Cut Trick!
❌ Wrong Way: Slicing straight across, making it boring and uneven.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Cut carrots at a diagonal angle for a more elegant presentation.
2️⃣ For julienne (thin strips), first slice into planks, then sticks.
💡 Bonus Tip: Diagonal cuts cook more evenly and quickly in stir-fries!
9. Strawberries 🍓 – Use a Straw to Hull!
❌ Wrong Way: Cutting off the top, wasting too much fruit.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Use a straw to push through from the bottom, popping off the stem.
💡 Bonus Tip: This works great for kids helping in the kitchen!
10. Lettuce 🥬 – Chop it in One Move!
❌ Wrong Way: Peeling off leaves one by one, taking too much time.
✅ Right Way:
1️⃣ Slam the core of the lettuce head on the counter.
2️⃣ The core loosens and pops out easily, letting you separate leaves faster.
💡 Bonus Tip: Store lettuce in a damp paper towel inside a container for extra crispness!
Final Thoughts: Cut Smarter, Waste Less!
Most people waste time and food by cutting fruits and veggies the wrong way—but with these simple techniques, you’ll make prep quicker, easier, and less wasteful.
💡 Which of these cutting tricks surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments!