So yes, there have been multiple reports of people injuring their hands while trying to cut and remove the pits of avocados. But this should not keep us away from one of the Latin American fruits par excellence. The avocado tree probably has its origin in South Central Mexico. In strict terms, the avocado is a berry with a very large pit in the middle. 

Avocado is one of the great gifts of the Americas to the world, as commercial production has expanded all throughout the world. The tree benefits from war, Mediterranean climates and thrives in semiarid landscapes. In Australia, for example, avocado, locally known as simply “avo” is perhaps the most popular fruit. Avo on toast is a staple in cafes and homes all through the country. 

However, the expansion of avocado has also brought some minor tragedies with it due to the lack of experience that some home cooks have in the arts of fruit chopping.

Yes, we are actually not kidding: avocado slicing has spilled more blood than a serial killer in a slasher film!

A nicely sliced avocado has got to be one of the most beautiful sights on planet Earth! We understand why people want to get it just right. 

Seriously. This fleshy fruit gives us beautiful hues of green when opened and its firm meat allows us to shape in in all kinds of interesting ways. Close your eyed and imagine a bowl of perfect avocado cubes… you will smell a fresh tortilla heating on the comal. Taquito de aguacate, anyone?

So first things first: the infamous “Avocado Hand.”

This seems to be a sort of accidental outbreak of lack of common sense among gringos worldwide (and by gringos we also mean British, Canadian, Australian and European folk). According to Food & Wine, “approximately 8,900 emergency room visits in 2018 could be directly tied to avocados”. That is like a small town of people running around the kitchen like headless chickens holding a paper towel to their hands and screaming “Oh-My-God” while shedding a tear. 

And no, it is not an urban legend, Avocado Hand actually exists.

So contrary to, say, apples, avocados have a soft skin and soft flesh. And contrary to, say, watermelon, they do not have a hard bit to get through. Some people underestimate how easily the knife will cut through the flesh and end up putting too much pressure on the knife while keeping their palms or fingers directly opposite. The result: blades penetrate through human flesh, savaging skin and painting a symphony of crimson pain. But avocado is soft and cuts easily, and everyone should know that. In Mexico, the government once financed a campaign to promote avocado consumption, and called the fruit “the butter of vegetables”. 

Some people are just displaying their injuries like war wounds to be proud of

In this day and age of selfies and a sometimes unhealthy obsession with self-branding, some are actually publishing photos of their avocado hands as if they were a badge of honor. Seriously, ladies and dudes, no one wants to see those stitches and gooey stuff coming out of your fingers, especially not on a closeup. Please just don’t! 

And even get tattoos to celebrate the accident.

Well, we actually have to admit this one is pretty funny and kinda cool. We love the minimalist outline and the dramatic nature of this skin art piece. It is Shakespearean and hipster in equal measures. 

So avocado hand pins are a thing, apparently.

Do you know how Boy and Girl Scouts wear all sorts of badges on their uniforms to celebrate their achievements? Well, if you had an avocado hand incident and for some reason, you are proud of it, you can wear this pin. Alternatively, you could also wear it as a reminder of your encounter with the cuchillo, so you remember to be very careful when cutting and pitting a delicious avocado. 

Use a spoon, people.

So here’s the deal. Using a knife to take the seed out might look cool, but it is not for everyone. Do it safely and please use a spoon and just scoop the seed out. You might lose some of the flesh, but that’s OK (better than losing a finger). 

This technique is for expert knife-handlers only, so don’t attempt at home. Frankly, this is a show off technique for mamones.

Seriously, this technique is a bit silly even for experienced cooks. 

If you are feeling creative, pixelate your avocado.

One of the newest hipster trends in the cafe industry is to serve pixelated avocados, which basically look like this. Just use an extremely thin and sharp knife, place the avocado on board, get your fingers away from the bottom of the fruit and cut it in cubes, little by little, stopping just before you hit the skin. The results are fun and give us una onda de los ochentas. 

And some people take their carving obsession to the extreme: introducing avocado art.

Just wow. This is already an Instagram trend and features some pretty dedicated avocado lovers. The fruit gets all-black quickly after being cut open when exposed to room temperature, so the most experiences avocado carvers perfect their skills in walk-in fridges. Yes, it is pretty, but with all due respect, it is also a little pointless. 

But if you think you just can’t slice an avocado without injuring yourself, you can get one of these contraptions.

If you have to trust or faith in your abilities, you can buy one of these plastic utensils that cut, slice and pit avocados in a safe, child-friendly way. No blades or pointy ends to be scared of! No one if judging if you get one! This is actually a good tool to get the chamaquitos to help in the kitchen. Guacamole para todos!

But always remember avocados are not to blame.

As they say, don’t shoot the messenger. The humble avocado is just the conduit through which an entire generation of foodies has come to the realization that they suck at handling knives. We also have to be aware of the fact that thousands of farmers and workers depend on avocado crops. In the state of Michoacan, in central Mexico, many families survive working in big avocado plantations. This state has been ravaged by cartel-related violence and the avocado industry is one of the few stable sectors in the industry. So think twice before affecting the industry. 

By the way, the word avocado comes from aguacate, which comes from an indigenous word that means testicles… you are welcome.

Yes, the English word avocado comes from the Spanish aguacate, which in turn comes from the Nahuatl word āhuacatl. This word, you guessed it, means “testicle”. This is probably due to the likeness of the fruit and the male body part. We dare you to eat your next avocado and not think about this. Smashed avocado, compadres? Ouch!

READ: Avocado Hand Is Sending People To The ER In Record Numbers And Abuelas Everywhere Are Left Asking Why

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It’s a fact universally acknowledged that avocados are pretty much god’s gift to humanity. Not only are avocados delicious on tacos and tortilla chips, but they are also incredibly versatile. Because of their high amounts of Vitamin K and potassium, many people call avocados a superfood. But you don’t have to ingest this magical fruit to reap its benefits. The high-fat content in avocados makes them a wonderful addition to any topical beauty routine–especially your hair routine.

The benefits of avocado hair masks are practically endless. The monounsaturated fatty acids in avocados help our hair and scalp absorb certain vitamins and minerals that are essential to our hair health. Additionally, the oil in avocado is very similar to the natural sebum that our own scalp produces. This makes avocados especially helpful in moisturizing dull and brittle strands.

Here at FIERCE by mitú, we have compiled a list of avocado hair masks recipe to help your elevate your hair game to the best it’s ever been. Take a look below!

The “Hair Workout” Mask

@zapwater/Instagram

If you have weak and brittle strands, look no further than this DIY strengthening mask. This mask will help fortify hair follicles that are prone to breakage and splitting. The protein in the egg yolks help to bind porous follicles, the castor oil coats and strengthens the hair shaft, and the avocado contains high amounts of vitamins B and E which also helps to protect.

-2 egg yolks

-2 TBSP Castor Oil

-1 ripe Avocado

Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, making sure the avocado is fully mashed. Apply on dry hair. Make sure your strands are fully saturated. Leave and cover with a shower cap for 1-2 hours. Wash thoroughly. Shampoo and condition as usual.

The Moisture Mask

@revesdesabine/Instagram

This mask is great for those of us who have hair that’s looking a little thirst. Honey acts as a natural humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to the hair. Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that promote scalp health and prevent dandruff. Along with avocado, the high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids in these ingredients will do wonders to quench dry locks.

– 1/2 ripe Avocado

– 1 TBSP Honey

– 1 TBSP Olive Oil

Mash or blend the avocado thoroughly until it is completely smooth. Mix in the honey and olive oil. Apply to hair, making sure to concentrate on ends. Leave on 30 minutes to an hour and then rinse. Shampoo and condition as usual.

The Scalp SOS Mask

@erica.esthetician/Instagram

If you suffer from a flaky or itchy scalp, your scalp’s health may be compromised. While so many people focus on nourishing the hair shaft, they may be neglecting the root of the issue (pun intended). The tea tree oil and honey in this mask will help clear out scalp build-up and leave your follicles clear and clean.

– 1 ripe Avocado

– 10 drops Argan Oil

– 2 TBSP Honey

– 1-3 drops Tea Tree Oil

Combine all ingredients into a bowl and mash well. Once the mixture is smooth, apply to head, focusing on the roots. Cover the mask and leave on overnight for maximum results. Rinse out and shampoo and condition as usual.

The Diamond Mask

@hairbyamandafrancke/Instagram

Suffering from dull locks? Your hair may have an excess of buildup or a hair cuticle that is uneven and fails to reflect light. The lemon juice’s acidity will help remove build up. While the banana will provide both acidity and moisture to the hair. The coconut oil and avocado will help to flatten the hair cuticle, making it easier for light to reflect off your strands. This mask will help your hair shine bright like a diamond!

– 1 TBSP Lemon Juice

– 1 ripe Avocado

– 1/2 a ripe (but not overripe) Banana

– 2 TBSP Coconut Oil

Add all ingredients to a blender and mix until there are no lumps left. Apply mixture to hair and evenly distribute with a wide tooth comb. Leave on hair for 30 minutes and then rinse. Shampoo and condition as usual.

The Miracle Grow Mask

@thehomiecherry/Instagram

If you’re on a #hairgrowthjourney and you’re not seeing much progress, it is probably caused by a few key culprits. Either your hair is breaking off too fast to retain length, or your scalp health isn’t as great as it should be, leading to clogged-up follicles. The ingredients in this hair mask are sure to jump-start an inch or two!

– 1 Ripe Avocado 

– 3 TSP Fresh Aloe Vera Gel

– 1 Vitamin E Capsule

– 1-3 drops of Rosemary Oil

Mash avocado in a medium-sized bowl. Make sure that there are very few chunks. Combine the rest of ingredients and mix well. Spread mixture on your hair, concentrating at the roots and ends. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse thoroughly. Shampoo and condition as usual.

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