I learnt how to carve fruit for the first time when I took part in an event of dressing salads and fruits. I thought that fruits can be carved in any way – but this wasn’t true. I didn’t know that there were ways of carving fruit and it involved some skills. It also requires some materials such as a large fruit, a sharp knife, spoon, wooden skewers and also a washable marker.

Step 1: Decide on the pattern and design which you wish to carve. You can have a design of your own or search the internet, to get some great designs. Just Google fruit carving designs and you will be flooded with options.

Step 2: Choose the right size and shape of the fruit. This is also dependant on the design you wish to have on your fruit. If you wish to give an intricate design to your fruit, you should have a big fruit. If you to have a small pattern, you cane easily use a small fruit. Now, you can draw the outline of what you wish to carve out on this fruit with the help of a marker.

Step 3: Start the cutting process. Create from the bottom and design a flat surface so that your fruit centerpiece can rest on it. Start cutting the fruit with the help of a blade along the lines you have drawn. You might not get smooth finishes all the while, but with practice and effort you will succeed so do not get disappointed if you don’t get the right finishes. When you have cut out the design well, do not forget to clean up the lines which are made by the marker.

Step 4: You can use a small blade knife to trim the seeds which are attached to the fruit. Do not hurry in this process and be patient. You can use a large spoon which shall help to scoop the seeds. Now, slowly carve out the small edible portions of the fruit you have carved out. Do this slowly and neatly.

Step 5: You can place the carved fruit on your plate and decorate it as you wish – in any type of pattern you desire. If you are using several different types of carved fruits, you will be able to make designs and motifs related to nature (flowers, animals). If you wish to give an additional touch to the fruit you can add some fresh cream to it.

Tips for carving fruit: You might not get the right shape and neatness when you are carving fruit for the first time. So, do not be discouraged if you do not get neat and smooth shapes – but with patience and dedication you can master the art!

Image courtesy: www.erikawong.net/.../fruit_; www.standardtourism.com/