A mezzaluna (/ˌmɛtsəˈluːnə/; Italian: [ˌmɛddzaˈluːna]) is a knife consisting of one or more[1] curved blades with a handle on each end, which is rocked back and forth chopping the ingredients below with each movement.[2] They most commonly have a single blade, but are sometimes seen with two or three blades.[3][4][5]
It is typically used for mincing herbs or garlic, but it can be used for chopping other things such as cheese or meat.[2] Very large single blade versions are sometimes used for pizza.[1] Common uses in Italy include preparation of a soffritto or a pesto, etc.
Mezzaluna means "half moon" in Italian,[6] after the curved shape of the blade,[6] and is the most common name used in the UK. Other names used include herb chopper, hachoir [aʃ.waʁ] (from French) and hokmesser (from Yiddish).
Mezzalunas may be found sold with a cutting board that has a shallow indentation in it,[2] marketed as a herb chopper.