Raise your hand if this has ever happened to you: you’re in a rush, late for work, but you’re not about to forgo your healthy breakfast. You check the clock; okay, breakfast will have to be eaten in the car on the way. But you’ve gotta cut this avocado first. You’re cutting the fruit, keeping one eye on the task at hand, and the other on the clock, when suddenly the knife slips from your hand and…ouch. If that scenario, or something like it, sounds all too familiar, you aren’t alone.

What Is Avocado Hand?

In fact, it’s become so common to cut yourself while trying to cut an avocado or remove the seed, that the injury has already been termed ‘avocado hand’. Many people injure nerves or tendons in their hand, and the scars left behind can sometimes be permanent.

It’s been said that avocados should come with a warning label, to remind people to take care when cutting the fruit. It sounds slightly ridiculous, but if you’ve ever cut yourself on a slippery avocado, you’ll know it isn’t much fun.

Why the sudden new injury? Surely 20 years ago, people were still cutting themselves instead of the avocado? Well, it’s true, they might have been. But since avocado has now become super-popular – who do you know who doesn’t have an avocado in their fridge? – the injuries have started to arouse attention.

Avoiding Avocado Hand

How to avoid avocado hand!

So, how do you avoid avocado hand? Well for starters, don’t do what you did in the above scenario. Keep both your eyes on the avocado and take it nice and slow.

• Make sure that the knife you’re using is sharp. This might sound contradictory – I mean, didn’t your parents always teach you that sharp knives are the dangerous ones?! But that fact is that with a knife that isn’t so sharp, you have to push a lot harder, which is more likely to result in a slip-up. Super-sharp knives can penetrate the skin of the fruit with a lot less pressure and effort.

• Always cut on a flat surface – not in the air. Holding an avocado in your hand while trying to cut it open is a sure-fire way to get yourself hurt.
• The safest way to remove the stone is with a spoon. I know, I know, it takes time which you don’t have right now to go back to the drawer and take out a spoon as well. But guess what – it takes a lot more time to head down to the ER. It’s also best to use a spoon to scoop out the rest of the avocado.

Health Benefits Of Avocados Explained

Avocados are one of the healthiest foods out there – and not to mention, they’re delicious. They’re loaded with vitamins C, E, K and B6, plus folate, magnesium, potassium and of course, omega-3 fatty acids. Your body needs fat for energy, and avocado is one of the best sources of fats you can give your body. They’re easy to use in so many things, and most people enjoy eating them (after they agree to try it for the first time!).

If you’re eating them on toast for breakfast, you’re giving yourself a healthy and delicious start to the day. (Bonus points if you have the time to add a poached egg and some feta cheese to the mix – yum!)

Conclusion

There’s no need to abandon your signature brekkie or leave out the guacamole on your tacos (because what are tacos without guacamole?!)

With the proper care, you can enjoy your avocados – and your tendons and nerves – at the same time. Take it slow, take care and enjoy your breakfast.