Black Handled Mezzaluna, two handled herb chopper
Mezzaluna herb and spice chopper
A Mezzaluna is two parallel metal crescent shaped blades with a handle at each end. They can also be just a single or a triple metal cutting blade. The rocking action of the blades is a very easy, safe and a natural action for chopping. No chance to accidentally chop off a bit of finger, Mezzaluna means “half moon” in Italian, after the curved shape of the blade.
Two handled herb chopper
Cooking food
I suffer from multiple sclerosis, it does make my life more complicated. Significant problems include; I cannot walk unaided, my hands are much weaker and my fingers are losing their sense of touch and feel. Suddenly easy tasks become more difficult. There is almost no chance of an accident happening when I use this kitchen tool. It is impossible to cut my fingers when I use the herb chopper because I must hold the handles and rock the Mezzaluna.
Very efficient
Chopped cardamon seeds
It is so easy to control when I chop the herbs. Holding the handles is natural and the rocking action is extremely easy. I will be the first to admit that it is best to use it on a wooden chopping board but I have used it successfully on a plastic one. I recently used a Mezzaluna to chop cardamon seeds into almost a powder. The seeds are hard and small and if careless when chopping then most will end up on the floor. The Mezzaluna is so easy to use and efficient for the chopping the tiny seeds. See the picture on the right
How to store it
I keep mine standing on its cutting blades in a cupboard. Instead I could also keep it on our magnetic knife rack where I also store all the kitchen knives. I would be very reluctant just to keep in a kitchen drawer because it would be only too easy to accidentally cut my fingers.
It is dishwasher safe but it is easy to washup in warm soapy water.
Common uses in Italy include chopping basil for pesto They can be sold with a cutting board that has a shallow indentation in it.
I have owned a mezzaluna for years and bought mine abroad. If you would like to buy one then just click Black Handled Mezzaluna or click on the pictures.
April 2025
Associated articles
Magnetic Knife Rack
Folding Chopping Board
Brilliant, simple & not specific to crips!
Thank you for sharing.
Hello Katie,
So often the simplest things are the best. 🙂