Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit, perfect for adding a sweet and tangy flavor to smoothies, salsas, salads, and desserts. If you’re a mango lover, mastering how to cut a mango is a kitchen skill you’ll use again and again. Many people find cutting mangoes tricky due to their large pit and slippery texture. But don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will show you three super easy and safe methods to get perfectly diced mango every time, whether you’re using a knife, a spoon, or even a simple kitchen cup. Get ready to enjoy fresh mango like a pro!
Choosing the Perfect Ripe Mango for Cutting
Before diving into how to cut a mango, it’s crucial to start with a perfectly ripe fruit. A ripe mango is not only easier to cut but also boasts the best flavor and texture. Here’s how to select the ideal mango:
- Gentle Squeeze Test: The best way to check for ripeness is by gently squeezing the mango. A ripe mango will yield slightly to pressure, similar to a ripe avocado or peach. If it feels rock-hard, it’s not ready yet. If it’s mushy, it might be overripe.
- Skin Color: While color can be an indicator, it’s not always reliable as mango varieties have different colors when ripe. Look for vibrant colors, often with red or yellow hues, but don’t solely rely on color.
- Smell: A ripe mango will have a fragrant, sweet aroma near the stem end. If it smells sweet and fruity, it’s likely ripe and ready to cut.
- Avoid Bruises: Choose mangoes that are free from bruises, blemishes, or soft spots, as these can indicate overripe or damaged fruit.
If you accidentally bought unripe mangoes, don’t fret! You can ripen them at home by placing them in a brown paper bag at room temperature. Adding an apple or banana to the bag can speed up the process, as these fruits release ethylene gas, a natural ripening agent.
Step-by-Step Basic Mango Cutting Technique
This basic technique is the foundation for all three methods of how to cut a mango we’ll explore. It involves safely navigating around the mango’s pit to prepare it for dicing or slicing.
Step 1: Position the Mango and Locate the Pit
Hold the mango upright on a cutting board, with the stem end facing up or down. Identify the flattest sides of the mango. The large, flat pit runs lengthwise through the center of the fruit, oriented to the flatter sides. You want to cut along either side of this pit.
Step 2: Slice Off the First Mango Cheek
Using a sharp paring knife or chef’s knife, start about ¼ inch away from the widest center line and slice down through the mango, parallel to the pit. Aim to cut as close to the pit as possible without actually cutting into it. You should now have one mango “cheek” or half, and the pit section with the remaining flesh.
Step 3: Repeat on the Other Side
Turn the mango around and repeat Step 2 on the other side to remove the second mango cheek. You will now have two mango cheeks and the central pit section.
Step 4: Score the Mango Flesh in a Grid Pattern
Take one mango cheek, skin-side down. Using your paring knife, make vertical slices through the mango flesh, being careful not to cut through the skin. Then, make horizontal slices, creating a grid-like pattern of cubes. The size of the cubes depends on your preference and recipe.
3 Simple Methods for Cutting Mango Cubes
Now that you’ve mastered the basic mango cutting technique, let’s explore three easy methods to release those perfect mango cubes from the scored cheeks.
Method 1: The Classic Knife Method
This method is straightforward and utilizes just your knife skills.
Step 5: Invert and Slice Off Cubes
Gently invert the scored mango cheek by pressing on the skin side from the back. This will cause the mango cubes to protrude outwards, making them easy to slice off.
Carefully slice the mango cubes away from the skin, letting them fall into a bowl or directly into your recipe. Repeat with the other scored mango cheek.
Method 2: The Easy Spoon Method
If you prefer to avoid using the knife to remove the cubes, the spoon method is perfect.
Step 5: Scoop Out the Cubes with a Spoon
After scoring the mango cheek in a grid pattern, simply use a spoon to scoop out the individual mango cubes. Slide the spoon between the mango flesh and the skin, following the curve of the skin to release the cubes.
This method is especially safe and great for involving kids in the kitchen.
Method 3: The Clever Cup Method
For a quick and fun way to remove mango cubes, try the cup method.
Step 5: Use a Cup Rim to Scoop
Similar to the spoon method, but even faster! After scoring, take a glass or cup with a thin rim. Slide the rim of the cup between the mango flesh and the skin at the narrow end of the cheek. Then, gently push down and slide the cup forward, scooping out all the mango cubes in one swift motion.
This method is surprisingly efficient and minimizes mess.
Tips for Storing Cut Mango
If you’ve cut more mango than you need, or want to prep ahead, here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store cut mango cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze mango cubes. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen mango can last for up to 3-6 months and is perfect for smoothies and frozen desserts.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Cut Mango
Now that you know how to cut a mango like a pro, you can enjoy this versatile fruit in countless ways:
- Fresh Snacks: Enjoy mango cubes on their own as a healthy and refreshing snack.
- Smoothies: Add frozen or fresh mango to your favorite smoothie recipes for sweetness and creaminess.
- Salsas: Mango salsa is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or tacos.
- Salads: Mango adds a tropical twist to salads, pairing well with greens, avocado, and grilled meats.
- Desserts: Use mango in pies, tarts, ice cream, or simply serve with yogurt and granola.
Learning how to cut a mango opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Try these three methods and find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious and nutritious fruit!
