MJP –
It’s hard to deny that cucumber salads are now taking over the Internet.
The trend of fixing up an entire cucumber to eat as a refreshing snack, started by influencer Logan Moffitt, has blown up on social media, and we aren’t mad about it.
But with every cucumber salad video that pops up on my feed, it seems like there is a matching one of someone reporting an injury from cutting cucumbers.
The culprit of these mishaps? A certain vegetable slicer with a deceitfully sharp blade: the mandoline.
How to Safely Use a Mandoline
While this kitchen gadget is convenient, it also is out for blood.
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As the mandoline is an essential part of Logan’s viral videos, more and more people have been pulling out the tool to cut their cucumbers in record time.
However, it is essential to follow proper safety protocols. For your sake and mine, I’ll refrain from describing a mandoline’s dangers. Let’s just say they aren’t pretty.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the desire to use a mandoline: it slices cucumbers in half the time, cuts them into satisfying, uniform slices, and eliminates the possibility of recreating the viral Kendall Jenner cucumber-cutting moment. So, instead of tossing out your mandoline in the name of keeping the same number of fingers you started with, learn how to use it properly. With these safety methods, you won’t need to be afraid of your mandoline anymore.
Don’t Get Overly Confident
One of the biggest mandoline mistakes I see is overconfidence. The first step in staying safe is acknowledging that a tool that is good at cutting vegetables is also very capable of cutting you. Yes, it feels like every chef on television is using a mandoline without any protective measures, but don’t let that stop you from taking the proper safety precautions. I promise—an emergency room visit is much more humbling than using the proper gear.
Buy the Right Mandoline
Not all mandolines are created equal. While we are always here for a budget-friendly find, make sure you have a mandoline that will keep you safe. This Dash mandoline is as safe as they come. It is designed to keep your hands away from the blade by having you push your vegetables through a slot instead. Slicing vegetables doesn’t get much safer than that.
Use Gloves
When in doubt, grab some cut-resistant gloves to give your hands a layer of protection. You might feel a little silly, but this way, you can slice your veggies without any fear. Plus, they keep you safe when using your regular kitchen knives. If you don’t feel like investing in cut-resistant gloves, using an oven mitt can also help keep you protected.
Don’t Depend on Your Mandoline Guard
Many mandolines come with a guard, and these can be a great way to add an extra layer of protection between your hand and the blade. But know that you probably need to do more than use the guard. Mandoline guards can often be clunky or slippery, causing an unexpected mishap for even the most cautious chefs. While the mandoline guard is a great first step, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also use other protective measures.
Use a Fork
One of the riskiest parts of using a mandoline can often be the end, where you have only a small piece of vegetable left to cut. A mandoline guard can sometimes be too slippery or wobbly, making cutting smaller veggies precarious. Instead of using a guard, try using a fork instead. This will ensure your slicing is stable, slip-free, and much less tedious.
Go Slowly
Remember that it is not a race. Watch as many mandoline injury TikToks as I have, and you will never want to speed through mandoline cutting again. Reduce distractions, take a deep breath, and go slow. It’s worth it.
When in Doubt, Don’t Use a Mandoline
There is no shame in cutting your veggies with a knife. Even I have done it. The other day, I didn’t feel like getting my mandoline out to cut just one cucumber for cucumber salad and resorted to using a knife instead. If I can do it, so can you.
However, you probably should still read up on knife safety tips first, just in case. The best cutting choice is always the one you feel most comfortable with, and the process doesn’t matter when the result is the same. With our cucumber salad recipe lineup, you will have a delicious, refreshing dish no matter what.
