An emergency room doctor has issued a viral warning about the proper way to slice avocados, after thousands of people have ended up in the hospital with hand injuries caused by cutting them incorrectly.
The fruit, which is beloved for its nice, creamy texture and healthy nature, has become a global breakfast staple. But as ERs continue to treat more “avocado hand” injuries each year, Dr. Joe Whittington decided it was time to show people exactly how to cut the fruit safely.
Dr. Joe shared a common kitchen mistake that’s sending thousands to the ER
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Dr. Joe’s TikTok addressed a video that brought up the issue of avocados causing hand injuries.
“Avocado hand is a real thing,” Dr. Joe Whittington told his 2.2 million followers in a viral TikTok video. “Craving some guac but you end up with stitches.”
Image credits: Daniel/Adobe Stock (Not the actual photo)
The doctor explained that injuries often happen when people try to remove the pit with too much force or while holding the fruit in their palm.
According to one study he cited, 8,900 people in the US ended up in the ER in a single year after failing to remove the pit properly, according to the Daily Mail.
Image credits: drjoe_md
“The difficulty usually arises when people try to remove the pit of the avocado and accidentally stab themselves in the hand,” he said.
To demonstrate a safer method, Dr. Joe offered step-by-step guidance: “Grip the blade at the base, close to the handle, and use your index finger and thumb to create a small wedge of blade that will be used to stab the pit,” he explained.
Image credits: Miriam Alonso/Pexels (Not the actual photo)
“Then stab the pit, turn to release the pit, and enjoy your avocado without injury.”
The clip has since racked up thousands of views across TikTok and Instagram, with fans thanking the doctor for saving their hands the next time they make their favorite avocado toast.
Social media users reacted to Dr. Joe’s message with shock and gratitude
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Many viewers flooded the comments with surprise and humor. “I’m Mexican, so I had no idea this was an actual danger,” one user joked.
Another shared an alternative method: “Push with two thumbs on the back where the pit is and it pops out by itself.”
“I feel like I’m the only one who has never needed a knife to get it out. I just pull it out or use a spoon,” a third commenter wrote.
Others also joked that taking out the pit by stabbing it seems like an accident waiting to happen.
“God help us. After reading this, I have come to the conclusion that we are all doomed. Who would have thought an avocado was so dangerous,” another stated.
But while Dr. Joe’s advice does seem like common sense, the number of avocado-related knife injuries is no joke.
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In the same study that Dr. Joe mentioned, researchers concluded that 50,413 avocado-related knife injuries were reported from 1998 to 2017.
There were only 1,790 worldwide shark bites reported during this same period worldwide.
Experts also revealed the truth about brown avocados and whether they are still safe to eat
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While Dr. Joe focused on preventing hand injuries, others in the food world are clearing up another avocado mystery: what happens when the fruit turns brown.
According to food experts, a brown avocado isn’t spoiled. It’s simply oxidized.
“When you cut open an avocado, you’re exposing enzymes in the cells to oxygen in the air,” explained Matthew Fatino, a subtropical crops expert at the University of California, said.
“That reaction creates melanin, the pigment that turns it brown.”
The enzyme responsible, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), exists naturally in both avocados and apples. As oxidation continues, it can slightly change the flavor and texture.
“If you let it go too far, I’m talking like days, you can get kind of a rancid taste,” Fatino said.
@drjoe_md 🥑💥 “Avocado Hand” is real. Every year, thousands of people end up in the ER after a pit-removal fail. One study found 8,900 injuries in a single year—all from trying to make guac! 😬 #HealthTip #avocadolover #kitchenhacks ♬ original sound – Dr. Joe, M.D. 🩺
The good news is that it’s still perfectly safe to eat for up to two days, even if the surface has darkened.
Only after several days does the avocado’s fat start to break down into bitter compounds. At that point, it’s best to toss it. So, while “avocado hand” may land people in the ER, a brown avocado won’t land anyone in trouble. It just might taste a little off.
Netizens shared their thoughts on Dr. Joe’s avocado advice on social media
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