Kitchen · From our archive
A Tool that Makes Mincing Fresh Herbs Easy
LLLayne Lieberman, MS, RD, CDN
· 2 min read
Written in 2017, 9 years ago. Food science changes, so check newer advice before you change your routine.
Kitchen Efficiency
Nutrient Preservation & Cooking Ease
Practical cooking techniques that protect delicate vitamins while saving precious time.
- Water-Soluble Vitamin RetentionHeat-sensitive nutrients 84%
- Weeknight Prep Time SavedPrep efficiency 35 min
- Produce Freshness WindowFood waste reduction 5+ days
- Home Cooking ConfidenceDaily meal enjoyment 92/100
Source: Journal of Food Science & USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Product reviewed: Urban Trend Orbit Herb Chopper
The Urban Trend Orbit Herb Chopper is a useful kitchen gadget for people who like to cook with lots of fresh herbs and prefer using a chopping tool over a knife. This one has a triple blade and folds so that it takes up less space, making it ideal for kitchens with less storage.
When I saw the Orbit Herb Chopper advertised, I couldn’t wait to try it out on my next batch of mixed herb pesto sauce. My recipe calls for a variety of herbs including mint, basil and parsley mixed with baby greens. I was curious to see how the chopper would work on a mix of herbs. The plastic ring works well as a cutting handle and with the push of a button the stainless-steel blades fold in and out.
The tool works best when you roll it back and forth to mince the herbs. The chopper does its job when the herbs are dry, but damp herbs tend to cling to the blades. Don’t count on it to cut into hard veggies such as carrots, as they get stuck between the blades. And cooks should be careful when using the tool: the blades are sharp and care should be taken when turning them in and out by putting the safety cap over the blades.
I like that this chopper is dishwasher safe on the top rack, and that the company offers a five-year guarantee. The Orbit Herb Chopper serves its purpose when preparing herb-intensive recipes and would make a great gift for those experimenting with fresh herbs as flavoring to reduce salt in cooking. Finally, the diameter is 6¾ inches so make sure you have room to store it! Happy chopping!
Layne Lieberman, MS, RD, CDNLayne Lieberman, MS, RD, CDN, is an award-winning registered dietitian, Huffington Post blogger, culinary travel leader and entrepreneur. She is author of the book Beyond the Mediterranean Diet: European Secrets of the Super-Healthy. Visit her website, World RD, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest and Instagram.