A Gold Coast fitness influencer recently spoke out about a viral cucumber salad recipe that left her in the hospital. The popular snack recipe, created by TikTok user Logan Moffit, involves slicing an entire cucumber into thin pieces using a mandolin. The influencer, Bec Hardgrave, who has over 300,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, followed the recipe and ended up injuring herself because she did not use the included finger guard, which is meant to prevent accidents. The injury required a trip to the emergency department.
The $12 Kmart mandolin, along with others on the market, includes a finger guard to prevent injuries. However, many people, including Ms. Hardgrave, did not realize the importance of using the guard when using the mandolin. Ms. Hardgrave recorded herself preparing the cucumber salad when the accident happened, and she later posted the video online as a warning to others about the dangers of using a mandolin. The injury she sustained was too wide to be stitched up, so she had to keep the wound clean and watch for signs of infection as it healed.
In her warning video, Ms. Hardgrave can be seen slicing the cucumber while talking to the camera. She was lucky enough to cut the footage before the accident happened, but viewers could see her hand inching closer to the blade. She advised viewers not to use a mandolin and emphasized the importance of using the guard that comes with the device to prevent accidents. The video, titled “trend gone wrong,” has been viewed over 120,000 times and has received numerous comments from people sharing their own mandolin-related injury experiences.
Logan’s recipe for the cucumber salad has inspired many social media users to recreate the snack, with Ms. Hardgrave noting that he did not use the guard in his video. To avoid ending up like her, Logan recommends slicing a whole cucumber safely and adding condiments such as soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, green onions, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and MSG. He then shakes the mix and enjoys his creation. Ms. Hardgrave’s accident highlighted the risks associated with using kitchen tools like mandolins and serves as a cautionary tale for others who might be tempted to try similar recipes without taking proper precautions.
Many people shared their fear of using a mandolin after watching Ms. Hardgrave’s video and hearing about her injury experience. The incident has raised awareness about the need to follow safety guidelines when using kitchen tools, especially those with sharp blades. Ms. Hardgrave’s decision to share her story online has helped educate others about the dangers of using a mandolin without the finger guard and the importance of reading warning labels and instructions before using such devices. Overall, her experience serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved in following viral recipes and the importance of prioritizing safety in the kitchen.
