There are few kitchen tasks more basic than dicing a tomato. And yet, this simple cutting technique can often be the source of immense frustration. Have you ever tried to dice a tomato only to end up with a mushy, watery mess? Or perhaps you’ve managed to get neat, even diced pieces but it took forever and your arm feels like it’s about to fall off? Well, never fear! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to dice a tomato quickly and easily. After reading this, dicing tomatoes will be a breeze!
Why Dice a Tomato?
Dicing a tomato is often preferable to slicing it because diced tomatoes tend to be less watery and less likely to fall off of whatever you’re eating them with. They’re also much quicker and easier to prepare than other types of cuts, such as wedges or thin slices. Whether you’re making a sandwich, salad, or soup, diced tomatoes are always a good option.
How to Dice a Tomato?
Tools of the Trade
All you really need to dice a tomato is a sharp knife and cutting board. However, if you want to make things even easier on yourself, there are a few tools that can come in handy. First, consider using an angled cutting board. These boards allow you to keep your fingers further away from the blade while still being able to see what you’re doing. Second, think about investing in a good pair of tomato shears. Shears are ideal for quickly removing the stem from the tomato before cutting it into dice. Finally, if you’ll be doing a lot of chopping, dicing, or slicing, consider getting yourself a nice set of Japanese knives. Japanese knives are incredibly sharp and will make quick work of any veggie or fruit.
The Right Way to Dice a Tomato
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics, let’s get down to business and learn how to actually dice that tomato! Start by washing your fruit thoroughly; then cut off the top where the stem was attached. Once the top is removed, cut the tomato in half crosswise; then cut each half in half again lengthwise. You should now have four long quarters. Next, take one quarter at a time and make 3-5 lengthwise cuts evenly spaced apart; then turn that quarter so it’s laying flat on your cutting board with the cuts facing up. Finally, make 3-5 crosswise cuts evenly spaced apart; then give the quarter one final chop lengthwise through all of the slices—and voila! You’ve got perfect diced tomatoes every time!
FAQS
1. How should I dice a tomato?
The best way to dice a tomato is to first cut it in half crosswise, then cut each half in half. Once you have forequarter pieces, cut each one of those in half. Next, take a sharp knife and make lengthwise cuts perpendicular to the ones you just made, being careful not to cut into the center of the tomato where the seeds are. Finally, make one more set of lengthwise cuts in the opposite direction. Voila! You now have perfectly diced tomatoes. As a bonus tip, always use a sharp knife when cutting tomatoes, as a dull knife is more likely to squish them.
2. How do you cut a tomato for dice?
To dice a tomato, start by cutting it in half crosswise. Next, cut each half into four long quarter-sized pieces. Then take one piece at a time and make 3-5 lengthwise cuts evenly spaced apart; then turn the tomato so it’s laying flat on your cutting board with the cuts facing up. Finally, make 3-5 crosswise cuts evenly spaced apart; then give the quarter one final chop lengthwise through all of the slices. That’s it! You now have perfectly diced tomatoes every time.
3. What are the benefits of dicing a tomato?
Dice tomatoes are often preferable to slicing them because they tend to be less watery and less likely to fall off of whatever you’re eating them with. They’re also much quicker and easier to prepare than other types of cuts, such as wedges or thin slices. Whether you’re making a sandwich, salad, or soup, diced tomatoes are always a good option. Additionally, they can add flavor and texture to many dishes, making them a great way to add some extra nutrition to your meals.
Conclusion:
Dicing tomatoes may seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be! With this guide in hand (or rather, in mind), you’ll be able to quickly and easily turn even the ripest tomato into neat little diced pieces that are perfect for sandwiches, salads, soups—you name it! So next time you’re standing in front of that big juicy red fruit trying to decide how to slice it up, just remember: crosswise first, then lengthwise…and don’t forget the lengthwise chops at the end!