Learn how to cut apples like a pro!

Mastering the basic knife cuts such as large dice, small dice, julienne, etc. is not just a lesson for professional chefs.  Knife skills when learning how to cut apples are handy to have for home cooks as well. Sure, it makes your dish look extra special, but there is a method to the madness. Each cut has its own function when it comes to your eating experience.

Since most people add raw apples to the culinary masterpieces, cutting them in different shapes also adds a bit of visual interest. Here are a few ideas to add a little more flare and function to your cooking with the flick of a knife.

4 techniques to master when learning how to cut apples

Large or Small Dice

how to cut apples - small or large dice

The best way to get a square shape out of a round apple is to cut the apple crosswise, stack a few slices on top of each other and cut into cubes, discarding the center core pieces. Be sure to cut your apples the same size as other items in your dish to makes the eating experience more pleasant.

When cooking apples, use a large dice if you want the apple to retain some of its shape after cooking and a small dice if you would like the texture of the apple to be soft and “disappear” in the dish.

Julienne

Julienne apple slicing method

Otherwise known as matchsticks, this cut is a favorite for salads; it makes an interesting presentation, adds a nice textural crunch but is still easy to eat due to the thin cut. This cut is approached the same way as the dice; by stacking apple rounds and making thin slices.

Batonnet

Batonnet apple slicing method

The batonnet cut is similar to the julienne cut, only larger, like a French fry. This is a unique way to cut apples for serving alongside a dip instead of the standard wedge.

Shaved Slice

Shaved Slice apple cutting method

This is technically not an official culinary size, but since slicing is a common way to cut apples, we thought it deserved an honorable mention. A shaved slice is just a paper-thin version of the typical slice of apple and is best done with a mandolin if you have one. Alternatively, you can cut thin slices by hand, carefully, with a very sharp knife. Shaved apples are wonderful in dishes that have lots of other ingredients in it because they are thin enough to spear on your fork with another piece of food, which enhances the texture and flavor of every bite. Plus, thinly shaved slices are a nice way to keep the apple shape without adding bulk to the dish.

And don’t forget about the lemon water trick to keep your apples from browning; keep cut apples in a bowl of water with a few tablespoons of lemon juice until you are ready to use. Drain and pat dry before adding to your recipe.

Any way you slice them, apples enhance the texture, flavor and even nutrition in our dishes, so I hope you grab your chef’s knife and give these different cuts a whirl.

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