When you’re preparing food in the kitchen, you’ll want to learn how to safely cut with your knife. The last thing you want is to get hurt. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Learn basic knife cuts
Learning how to chop with a knife can save you a lot of frustration. Taking the time to learn how to cut foods properly will ensure that you can avoid injuries and will make you a better cook.
The most basic cuts include brunoise, dice, chiffonade, and julienne. These cuts can be used for a variety of purposes. For example, you may want to use this type of cut when you are making a scalloped potato dish.
Using a chiffonade, also known as the French style of chopping, is a great way to add flavor to dishes. It’s perfect for herbs such as basil, mint, and garlic. You’ll need to roll the leaves into a tube before cutting them.
Aside from learning the proper technique, you can also use a julienne cut to add some decorative flair to your meal. This type of cut is best for small, fine cuts. To learn how to do this, you’ll need to practice.
Store your knives properly
Putting your knives away properly is important for safety purposes and prolonging the life of your blades. The most important thing to remember is to get your blades dry before storing them. This will help prevent rusting and bacterial growth.
Another thing to keep in mind is the type of knives you are storing. If you have a large number of knives, you may want to consider using a magnetic wall strip. Using a magnet will hold the knives in place and is easy to sanitize. However, you don’t want to use this method if you have children or pets.
In addition, if you have a lot of drawer space, you might want to consider using a drawer block. These are thin wooden blocks with slots for different types of knives. When used correctly, these are a safe way to store your blades.
One of the main advantages of a knife block is that it makes it easy to find the right tool for the job. Knife blocks are also a good way to keep your knives sharp. Some blocks even have sharpening rods to maintain your knives’ sharpness.
Avoid accidents
One of the most common types of kitchen accidents is finger cuts. These cuts can be very costly for your employer, so make sure to implement a plan to keep them at bay.
The best way to avoid getting a cut is to learn the proper techniques for cutting foods. This will also help you avoid slipping on a sharp knife blade.
When you’re chopping, you should hold the food with your fingers curled and keep them away from the blade. You should never wave the knife in the air. Instead, you should place it on a stable chopping board.
Using a safety cutter can also prevent this type of injury. They’re specially designed for reducing the risk of hand lacerations.
There are many other ways to keep your hands safe when cutting. Some examples are keeping the blades sharp and following a designated procedure for discarding spent blades.
You should also ensure that the area you’re working in is well lit and clean. Cutting food on a cluttered surface can cause a slip.