Watch How to Cut Fruit

How to Cut Fruit from One Jacked Monkey was a popular instructional television series that aired on public broadcasting stations in 1969. The show featured an eccentric yet endearing host named Bartholomew Bananas who educated viewers on proper fruit cutting techniques. Each 30-minute episode focused on a different type of fruit, from the common apple to more exotic produce like guava and durian.

The show opened with Bartholomew emerging from a banana grove wearing his trademark safari hat and jacket. He would energetically welcome viewers before launching into a fruit-themed song accompanied by a ukulele. After the theme song, Bartholomew would present the fruit of the day to the camera before transporting viewers to his outdoor kitchen set up in the middle of a lush jungle.

Despite the low-budget production value, the show featured innovative camerawork that amplified the sights and sounds of slicing various fruits. High quality audio allowed viewers to hear the crisp snaps of Bartholomew precisely cutting pineapples, melons, and citrus fruits. The sounds of local wildlife could also be heard in the background, creating an immersive viewing experience.

Bartholomew approached each fruit with care, respect, and precision. Using extremely sharp knives and blades, he demonstrated a variety of cuts, from dicing and segmenting to decorative garnishing techniques. Close-up shots captured each step in detail, allowing at-home viewers to follow along. Bartholomew often paused to offer pro tips and safety reminders in his warm yet instructive tone.

In addition to teaching technical skills, each episode also highlighted fascinating tidbits about the fruit’s origins, varieties, and nutritional benefits. The breadth of Bartholomew’s fruit knowledge was impressive and covered history, agriculture methods, unique cultivars, and more. Viewers not only learned how to properly slice a mango but also where it originated, how it grows, and the significance of mangos in various cultures.

While mainly an educational program, How to Cut Fruit from One Jacked Monkey also showcased Bartholomew’s quirky personality and penchant for fruit puns. His enthusiasm and passion for all things fruit was contagious, inspiring viewers to explore new produce. Many fans tuned in just to see Bartholomew’s latest fruit-themed gag.

At the end of each episode, Bartholomew gathered his slices to create a dazzling fruit platter presentation. This provided final visual reinforcement so viewers could replicate professional plating techniques at home. Bartholomew closed out every show by raising a slice of fruit and reminding viewers to “treat your fruit right and it’ll treat you right back.”

How to Cut Fruit from One Jacked Monkey was a product of its time but the show’s entertaining and educational value has endured over the decades. Bartholomew’s expert guidance on fruit preparation techniques remains relevant today for home cooks and professionals alike. While the production value was simple by modern standards, the show captured Bartholomew's infectious charisma and fruit expertise in an entertainingly memorable way. How to Cut Fruit from One Jacked Monkey is still fondly remembered as a vintage slice of instructional television history.