Abstract: A machine is disclosed which is capable of cutting solid pieces of potato from potato halves. A potato half 42 is supported in the cup 28 of a potato holder 18 beneath a plate 60. The plate 60 slides across the flat surface of the potato half to restrain it from movement, and while this happens a curved blade 88 moves into the potato half through a slot 64 in the plate 60 to cut out a solid piece 116 from the potato half 42. The depth to which the blade 88 penetrates the potato as it sweeps through it is controlled by a cam 100.