Step 1

Cut the avocado in half from tip to bottom: Holding the avocado in your non-dominate hand and your knife in your dominate hand, cut into the avocado and slice lengthwise from tip to bottom (as opposed to around the equator). Slice until the knife until it hits the pit, then use the pit as a guide to run your knife completely around the avocado, cutting it in two.

Step 2

Twist and open: Set the knife down and separate the two halves by twisting them in opposite directions. You will feel one half of the avocado release from the pit.

Step 3

Protect your hand: Hold the avocado half with the pit in your non-dominate hand, using a hot pad or folded dishtowel to protect your hand. As you gain confidence, you can do away with the dishtowel if you like!

Step 4

Whack the pit with the knife: Hold your knife about 8 inches above the pit, then firmly whack the avocado pit close to the heel of the knife blade. Don't be timid here — a gentle tap won't do it. Use enough force to embed your knife in the pit.

Step 5

Twist the pit with the knife: With the knife still firmly embedded in the avocado, give it a little twist to loosen it and lift it from the avocado half.

Step 6

Dislodge the pit: To remove the pit from the knife, push it off the blade with your thumb. It should just slide right off.