Cutting gem squash without risking amputation - how ?

[Grant]

so, i was asked to cut a couple of gem squash in half - i came perilously close to losing a finger.
some seem harder than others.

is there a secret i don't know of ?

 

[Picard]

I haven't tried it before ... but take two plates and then sandwich the squash. Push down to keep it in place and then cut horizontally.

Some people do this with cherry tomatoes.

If this doesn't work, try an angle grinder. It can cut through almost anything.

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

I just use tongs, get it stabbed and then bringing the knife down usually splits it

 

[R13...]

I know what you mean, it is a risky process. Personally I'd cook and then cut after when they're nice n soft.

 

[MrR]

I haven't tried it before ... but take two plates and then sandwich the squash. Push down to keep it in place and then cut horizontally.

Some people do this with cherry tomatoes.

Doesn't work so well with cherry tomatoes - they be slippery buggers - but it might work for a gem squash.

Also, don't play around with a small knife; get a big one, put the squash on its "side" and force the middle of the blade down on to the squash. Chop it, down slice it.

 

[copacetic]

Can 't say I've ever found this to be much of a challenge...

 

[Beachless]

 

[kissingmybbgoodbye]

Get someone else to do it

 

[MickeyD]

Simple. Use a properly sharpened knife.

 

[saor]

Cook first, then cut. Why would you want them cut prior to cooking anyway...unless you're stuffing them?

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

Much quicker if cut in halves but ye, no other difference really

 

[MickeyD]

Easier to take the seeds out before cooking...

Can fit more in a pot if halved...

 

[saor]

Easier to take the seeds out before cooking...

Eh - I find it easier when cooked and it just scoops out with a fork. Whatever .

 

[rrh]

Simple. Use a properly sharpened knife.

+1

The knife should also be heavy.

 

[MickeyD]

Eh - I find it easier when cooked and it just scoops out with a fork. Whatever .

uncooked - take a tablespoon and scoop it out like ice cream.

 

[durbandave]

Easiest way to cut them is with a sharp pointed knife. You stab the sharp point into the gem my then wiggle it slightly to create a small groove. You then take the very sharp blade and place it in the groove made previously and it should cut through fairly easily if the knife is indeed sharp. Simple

 

[Fuzzbox]

Use a decent serrated bread knife.
Push hard into squash like cutting bread and then roll squash under knife
Works like a charm

 

[Grant]

Simple. Use a properly sharpened knife.

+1

The knife should also be heavy.

Easiest way to cut them is with a sharp pointed knife.

this is exactly how i nearly lost a finger
the gem squash was as hard as a ball bearing on the outside, but once it was cooked - delicious.

there simply has to be a better way.
maybe suzelle has the solution

 

[AhComment]

Easiest way to cut them is with a sharp pointed knife. You stab the sharp point into the gem my then wiggle it slightly to create a small groove. You then take the very sharp blade and place it in the groove made previously and it should cut through fairly easily if the knife is indeed sharp. Simple

Easiest way to do it.

 

[cerebus]

Gem squash for me has a poor ROI for a vegetable. They're hard as rock so you dull your blade opening them and they only taste good if they're loaded with sugar and butter which defeats the vegetableyness of them. I rather avoid.