Amezzaluna (/ˌmɛtsəˈluːnə/, Italian: [ˌmɛddzaˈluːna]) is a knife consisting of one or more curved blades with a handle on each end, which is rocked back and forth chopping the ingredients below with each movement.[1] They most commonly have a single blade, but are sometimes seen with two or three blades.[2][3][4]
It is typically used for mincing herbs or garlic, but it can be used for chopping other things such as cheese or meat.[1] Very large single blade versions are sometimes used for pizza.[5] Common uses in Italy include preparation of a soffritto or a pesto, etc. In countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Palestine, it is used to chop mulukhiyah.
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), makhratah (from Arabic), and hokmesser (from Yiddish).
Mezzalunas may be found sold with a cutting board that has a shallow indentation in it,[1] marketed as a herb chopper.
Media related to Mezzalunas at Wikimedia Commons
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