Raw Recipes: HOW DO YOU CUT THAT?!

Before I became a Raw Foodist, I wouldn't buy certain fruits or veggies simply because I didn't know how to cut them. So I put together a few items that we use a lot and very easy tips to cut these things! Hope this helps...

Let's start off with the pineapple! I hope after reading this, you will buy FRESH pineapple and steer clear of the can! ;)

First, pick a ripe pineapple. To find out if it's ripe, simply try to pick it up by one of the pointy green leaves that are on top, preferably in the center... it should come right off.

Now, twist off the greens with your hand...

Now before you cut it, flip it upside down for about 45 mins to 1 hour.. this will allow the pineapple's natural juices to run back through the fruit, since it's been stored upright...

Ok, so now we are ready to cut it. Cut the ends off first...

Now, start cutting the spiny skin off like this....

After you do this step, you may notice some round brown spots left behind from cutting the skin off. Remove this with the tip of a peeler (or small knife/spoon)

Next, slice you pineapple about 1-inch thick slices....

Now take the core out with a small knife...

Then cut it into chunks and eat it, or store it in a container in the fridge- ready to eat or put in your smoothie!!

Ok, next is the AVOCADO! To tell if it's ripe, it will be soft to the touch (but not too soft!)

So, take your avocado and cut it length wise, curving your knife around the pit. (Always rinse the avocado before you cut. Even though you are not eating the peel, you can still transfer dust/bacteria once you slice it).

Next, twist it open...

The perfectly ripened avocado will be yellow inside with a green perimeter. There may be some slightly brown spots, too. Now if you open it and it's completely brown, its no good! If it's completely green inside, it's not ripe yet. But pictured above is the perfect avocado!

Now scoop out the pit with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, & garlic! (My mom loves hers with ginger!)

Scoop it with a spoon and eat it! Now if you want to slice it for salads or whatever, gently slice it BEFORE you scoop it out! Like this.... careful not to cut through the skin.

Ok, lets do a LEEK!

This is what it looks like just in case.... ;)

Now cut the dark green part off...

Now if you are going to cook a soup, throw the dark green part in there for flavor.. you can eat it if you like the texture. I use the bottom part raw as I would for onions.

I take my knife blade and insert it right above the root...

I don't cut the root off because it's holding it together. Otherwise, it would be really hard to cut. Now just bring your blade down slicing the Leek length wise...

Now do the same thing about a 1/2 an inch above the slice you just made...

Now it will have a fan-like appearance. This makes it easier to clean it and remove any dirt...

After you washed it, start slicing. You will notice they automatically cut into perfect pieces since you prepped it correctly!

Now slice all the way down as close as you can to the root...

Now throw it on a salad or sandwich!

Next up, a MANGO!

A ripened mango will be soft to the touch, like the avocado- not too soft!

First rinse the Mango. Now cut downward slightly off-center to avoid the large pit, like this...

Do the same thing to the other side.

Now cut the sides, curving your knife around the pit. You should be able to feel it.

Do that to both sides and you'll be left with a large, flat pit.

Next, take your Mango halves and slice them into small squares with a small knife...

Now turn it inside out....

Slice off the squares with a small knife. That's it!

Lastly, let's cut a CANTALOUPE... Same thing goes for a HONEYDEW.

You can tell a ripe melon by smelling the bottom. If you can smell the fruit, then it's ripe. If it's not ripe, leave it on your counter for a couple days...

Slice your Cantaloupe in half (or Honeydew), and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.