Meet Daniele Barresi, The Michelangelo of Fruit and Veggie Carving.

carved fruit and vegetables
Three of Barresi’s carved avocados nestled into one another

He’s only 27 years of age,  but Daniele Barresi has been known as one of the world’s most awarded and talented food carvers for several years now.

Daniele Barresi Food Carvings

Daniele Barresi Food Carvings

The art of fruit and vegetable carving is considered one of the ten oldest trades in Thailand, having originated around 1364. For many centuries afterwards, the art of carving was practiced only in royal courts and few women had the privilege of learning the discipline. It was said that along with beauty and etiquette, a worthy female must possess the artistic skill of vegetable carving.

artfully carved fruit
Daniele with one of his Papaya carvings

papaya carving

In 1939 this discipline was introduced into the school curriculum in Thailand bringing this fine art to the land’s culture and religion.

Daniele Barresi with some of his many accolades
Daniele Barresi with some of his many accolades

Today there are several impressive food carvers (such as Master Mirco Della Vecchia, Italy’s foremost chocolatier) using small knives with very sharp pointed blades, to turn watermelons, squash, radishes, cheese, chocolate and more into intricate flowers, birds and other symbolism. One of the very best in the world is Italy-born, Sydney-based Daniele Barresi. Having spent most of his life living in a small beautiful town in Italy, his imagination was fueled by the local town surroundings and inspired him to create art in the form of carving. As he grew so did his skills and techniques used to create the extraordinary designs shown here.

beautifully carved avocado
A beautifully carved avocado
Carved Broccoli
Carved Broccoli
Peacock carved into Broccoli
Peacock carved into Broccoli
carved pear
Ornately carved pear
artfully peeled Apple
artfully peeled Apple
Floral carved apple
Floral carved apple
Zucchini rosette
Zucchini rosette
Ornately carved Sweet Potato
Ornately carved Sweet Potato
Individually carved Pea from Peapod
Individually carved Pea from Peapod
Ornate Pumpkin carving
Ornate Pumpkin carving
carved Watermelon
stunningly carved Watermelon

In addition to fruits and vegetables, Barresi applies his craft to the carving of cheese, garlic and soap.

ornate cheese carvings
ornate cheese carvings
carved garlic cloves
carved garlic cloves
Daniele's favorite soap carving.
Daniele’s favorite soap carving.

Barresi has published a book of his carvings and he is an instructor in the art as well.

book on fruit carving

all images courtesy of Daniele Barresi and Intagli.it

Daniele Barresi Website

Daniele Barresi on Instagram