Abstract: A system for automatically forming chunks and spears at high speed from unpeeled fruit items is provided. The fruit is sliced into unpeeled wedges. The unpeeled wedges are conveyed into a plurality of staggered transverse chunking blades, wherein the flesh, but not the peel, is cut sequentially from the center of each wedge outwardly, flattening each wedge. A peel removal knife is located to sever the peel of each wedge from the center outwardly after the transverse chunk cutting blades have cut the flesh. Spears may be formed by deleting some of the transverse chunking blades.

Abstract: A slice blade assembly for various produce items is provided. A circular array of V-shaped blades is carried in an outer support ring. Each blade is held in place by a new non-welded block and nut which interlock with bent tabs formed at the tips of each blade. Each blade is adjustable since each blade is bendable at its apex. Each worn or damaged blade may be removed and replaced without replacing the block and nut that support the blade.