Avocados Are More Dangerous Than You Realized: How To Avoid "Avocado Hand"

Gourmandize Staff, 08/08/2017

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This superfood has soared in popularity in recent years, but did you know about the risk it brings along with it? Find out about "Avocado Hand" and how you can avoid it.

The foodie world has shown a lot of love for the avocado in the past several years, but doctors have a warning that the world needs to know.

This fruit can actually be a serious health hazard.

Why Is It So Dangerous?

It all has to do with how you cut it.

Very ripe avocados can be softer than we expect, and often struggles related to the pit cause precarious slip-ups – that can cost us dearly.

Many people also aren't aware that the pit of the avocado is so large and solid. And even when you already know what to expect on the inside, it can be difficult to figure out exactly how you can slice the fruit without making a mess.

Or, of course, injuring yourself!

"Avocado Hand"

In fact, injuries due to cutting avocados specifically have become so common, they have spawned the term "avocado hand" among doctors and medical professionals, who have noticed a massive influx of patients with these problems in the ER.

Simon Eccles, the former president of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, said to The Times, "People do not anticipate that the avocados they buy can be very ripe and there is minimal understanding of how to handle them."

He sees an estimated four patients per week for this condition, which often is much more serious than a little nick of the knife. These injuries often consist of major nerve and tendon damage.

So How Can You Avoid It?

You don't have to stop eating this delicious superfood in order to stay safe. All you need to know is how to cut it properly.

Take your time and follow these simple steps for the easiest way to do this injury-free. Happy brunching!

Want to learn how to grow your own avocados at home? Here's how.

Chef Tips and Tricks

VIDEO: Tropical Salmon Sushi Cups

These fun Tropical Salmon Sushi Cups make the perfect warm-weather appetizer!

Ingredients

1/2 cup rice vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
2 cups cooked sushi rice
1 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 tbsp seasame oil
1 tsp chili paste
Salt
1 mango, diced
1 avocado, diced
1 lb salmon, diced

Method

Combine the rice vinegar and sugar.
Stir though the cooked sushi rice, and with wet hands, shape into balls.
Press the balls into ramekins lined with parchment paper, and press the rice up the sides of the ramekins into cup shapes.
Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
In the meantime, combine the soy sauce, cilantro, sesame oil, chili paste and salt in a bowl.
Combine the mango, avocado and salmon.
Pour the soy mixture over the salmon mixture, and stir through until evenly coated.
Remove the rice cups from the refrigerator, and peel off the parchment paper.
Distribute the salmon mixture between the rice cups.
Garnish, serve and enjoy!