A mezzaluna ( /ˌmɛtsəˈluːnə/, Italian: [ˌmɛddzaˈluːna]) is a knife consisting of one or more [1] curved blades with a handle on each end, which is rocked back and forth chopping the ingredients below with each movement. [2] They most commonly have a single blade, but are sometimes seen with two or three blades. [3] [4] [5]
It is typically used for mincing herbs or garlic, but it can be used for chopping other things such as cheese or meat. [2] Very large single blade versions are sometimes used for pizza. [1] Common uses in Italy include preparation of a soffritto or a pesto, etc.
Mezzaluna means 'half moon' in Italian, [6] after the curved shape of the blade, [6] and is the most common name used in the UK. Other names used include herb chopper, hachoir, [aʃ.waʁ] (from French), and hokmesser (from Yiddish).
Mezzalunas may be found sold with a cutting board that has a shallow indentation in it, [2] marketed as a herb chopper.
Media related to Mezzalunas at Wikimedia Commons