Time Saver: Mezzaluna

If you find the task of chopping your fresh herbs with the same old dull knife rather daunting, here is some information that just may save your life…or save you a few minutes in the kitchen anyway.

Have you seen one of these before?

Wüsthof®

This is a mezzaluna and it is a tool that helps you efficiently chop herbs while releasing the fragrant essential oils which enhance the cooking experience.

A traditional mezzaluna is a knife consisting of a single or double curved blade with a handle on each end which makes chopping basil for pesto or making even slices of pizza a cinch.  Mezzaluna literally translates to “half moon” in Italian, and is named for the curved shape of the blade.  Other names commonly used are herb chopper or the French hachoir.

There are many updated versions of mezzalunas on the market which incorporate ergonomic design, storage protection and a variety of price points.

J.A. Henckels’ mezzaluna provides a 2-piece set that incorporates the classic half-moon shape with a 5-inch blade made of a satin finish, high-carbon steel and an 18/10 stainless steel handle. The set also features an 8-inch in diameter wood bowl, sized to accommodate the curved blade. This mezzaluna is dishwasher-safe and hand-washing is recommended for the bowl.  You can find it at Amazon.com.

The Wüsthof mezzaluna includes a very sharp 7” inch high-carbon steel blade and an ergonomic handle that can withstand a variety of mincing and chopping jobs.  This piece should be hand washed.  You can find it at Sur La Table.

The Kitchen Aid mezzaluna features a fine stainless steel cutting edge and a contoured shape to maximize chopping along with a soft handle that provides a secure grip. The protective blade cover keeps the blade sharp and allows for safe storage.  This piece should be hand washed.  You can find it at Target.

Kuhn Rikon has recently updated the classic mezzaluna to now include an ergonomic handle that provides the cook with the option to use a one or two handed grip.  This kitchen tool is made of razor sharp high carbon steel with a blade that cleanly cuts through herbs, while the nonstick blade finish ensures easy release of chopped leaves.  The polypropylene handle works with the crescent shaped blade to facilitate a natural rocking motion for rapid, efficient chopping and mincing.  For safe storage, the herb chopper comes with a protective sheath that covers the blade when not in use.  This piece is dishwasher safe.  You can find it at Williams-Sonoma.