How To Cut Mango: Expert Chef Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

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Learning to cut mango takes practice. But with this guide, you’ll slice them like a pro soon. It’s great for mango salads, smoothies, and desserts.

Finding the right mango is key. Give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe one will be firm but not hard. Skip the ones that are too soft. Colour doesn’t always show ripeness. Smell near the stem – a sweet scent means it’s good.

Now, let’s start cutting. First, peel the mango. Do this carefully as it’s slippery. A cut-resistant glove or a paper towel under your hand helps with grip.

After peeling, cut the mango into halves. Feel for the pit and set the mango flat. Cut the cheeks off the pit with a sharp knife. Move the knife around the pit to get more fruit out.

Next, slice or cube the mango halves. A paring knife is good for this. Make the cuts as you like.

You’re done! Now you have fresh mango for recipes. With practice, cutting mango will be easy.

Key Takeaways:

Select a ripe mango by gently squeezing it for firmness.
Use a vegetable peeler to peel the mango, taking caution with its slippery nature.
Cut the two cheeks off the pit with a chef’s knife.
Slice or cube the mango halves using a small paring knife.
Practice makes perfect! With time, you’ll become a mango-cutting expert.

Choosing a Ripe Mango

Choosing a ripe mango is essential for its delicious flavor. But how can you tell if a mango is ripe? Here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect one.

Judge the ripeness of a mango by feel and not color. A bright, golden color isn’t always a sign it’s ripe. Instead, give it a slight squeeze with your fingers. A ripe mango will be a bit soft. It needs to be firm but not too hard.

The presence of a fruity aroma can also indicate ripeness. Smell the stem end gently. If it smells sweet and tropical, the mango is likely ripe. This scent is a good sign.

Choosing a ripe mango means using your senses. Now you know how to pick the right one with your hands, eyes, and nose. Next, let’s learn how to cut the mango for eating.

Table: Mango Ripeness Indicators

Indicator	Ripeness
Feel	Slight give when gently squeezed
Aroma	Fruity scent near the stem end
Color	Not always a reliable indicator of ripeness

Peeling the Mango

Peeling a mango is the first thing to do with this tasty fruit. To easily take off the skin, I have a simple way.

I grab the mango firmly in one hand. Then, I use a vegetable peeler in my other hand. I gently peel the skin off from top to bottom. This way, I can get the skin off without hurting the fruit.

Peeling a mango can be hard because it’s so slippery. Be careful when peeling it. Or, you can wear a glove that protects you from cuts for a better hold.

If you put a paper towel under your hand, it makes it less slippery. This way, it’s safer and easier to peel.

With these tips, I can peel a mango fast and without making a mess.

Cutting the Mango into Halves

After peeling the mango, it’s time to cut it in half. This is important to remove the delicious flesh from the pit. Here’s the simple way to do it:

Feel the mango gently to find where the pit is.
Place the mango on a cutting board. Keep it firm with one hand.
With a sharp knife, slice the meaty sides off. They are the “mango cheeks.” Cut as close to the pit as you can.
Begin at the top and curve your knife down, following the pit.
Do the same for the other half to get any remaining fruit off the pit.

Doing these steps gives you two mango halves. You can slice, cube, or use them in recipes now.

Now, choose how you want to cut up the mango halves. You might like slices for salads or cubes for snacks. Later, we’ll show different ways to cut or cube a mango to fit your needs.

Slicing or Cubing the Mango

After getting the mango halves from the pit, choose to slice or cube it. You can make thin slices or tiny pieces based on your recipe or liking. This adds choice to how the mango looks and feels.

Use a small paring knife to get the shape you want. Its thin blade helps make clean cuts. This keeps the mango flesh intact.

To slice the mango, take a half and slice it thinly lengthwise. This way makes the pieces great for topping salads, desserts, or yogurt. They look pretty, too.

For cubing, cut the mango half to make a grid. Then, push from the back to get cubes. Cubes are fantastic for salsas, fruit salads, or eating as a snack.

Keep a steady hand when working with mango. Change the size based on what you need. Enjoy turning the mango into yummy, little bites!

Alternative Methods to Cut a Mango

Instead of the usual knife and peeler, there are other ways to cut a mango. Certain tools are made just for mangoes. They make it easier to remove the pit and get clean slices of the fruit.

The mango splitter is one of these special tools. It makes it easy to take out the pit. You just place the splitter over the mango, line it up with the pit, and push down hard. The splitter cuts through the fruit, giving you two neat mango halves.

There’s also the mango slicer, which cuts the fruit into perfect pieces. It has a sharp, serrated blade that moves smoothly through the mango. You put the slicer on top of the mango and push. It quickly cuts the fruit, giving you pieces that look the same.

Some mango slicers have a scoop, too. This scoop helps you get the fruit out from the skin easily. It’s great for picking up the slices without making a mess or wasting any juicy parts.

These tools are a great way to make cutting mangos easier. You can choose a mango splitter or a slicer to make the job simple. With the right tool, cutting a mango becomes a fun and convenient task.

Choosing a Ripe Mango

A ripe mango is key for top taste and easy cutting. Pick one by looking at how firm it is, its smell, and how it looks. To grab a perfect mango, follow these tips:

Feel the mango: Lightly press the fruit with your fingers. A ripe one will give a bit under your touch. But, don’t press too hard, you might damage it.
Check the firmness: Make sure it’s not too hard or too soft, just right. Soft ones might be too ripe and mushy.
Smell the mango: Place your nose near the stem. A ripe mango smells sweet and strong. If it does, it’s likely ready to eat.

Remember, the mango’s color doesn’t always show if it’s ripe. Some kinds get brighter as they ripen. Others stay green but are still ripe inside. Use your touch and nose to tell if it’s ready.

To clearly see how to pick a ripe mango, look at this image:

Peeling the Mango

To peel a mango, start with a Y-shaped peeler. It helps remove the skin easily, not the fruit. Hold the peeler with your main hand and the mango with the other.

Glide the peeler with light pressure from top to bottom. Twist the mango as you go, making sure it’s all peeled. Be slow and careful not to lose the juicy part with the skin.

“Using a Y-shaped vegetable peeler helps me effortlessly remove the skin of a mango, revealing the vibrant, sweet fruit inside.” – Maria S., Mango Enthusiast

Peeling is key to making the mango ready to enjoy or use in cooking. The skin is not nice to eat, but the fruit is what we want.

Cutting the Mango into Halves

After peeling the mango, it’s time to separate it into halves to reveal the juicy flesh. Here’s how:

Slice off the top and bottom ends of the mango to create flat surfaces. This will make it easier to handle and cut.
For better grip, insert a corn-on-the-cob holder into each end of the mango.
Carefully cut the mango into three pieces. Make two parallel slices on either side of the pit.
Once you’ve separated the mango halves, you’ll notice a pit in the center. This is where the sweetest and juiciest flesh can be found.
Preserve the mango cheeks, which contain the most flesh. Set them aside for slicing or cubing later.

Now that you have two mango halves, you can slice or cube them as you like. They are ready to enjoy as a snack, in salads, or in recipes.

Slicing or Cubing the Mango

You’ve peeled the mango and got it into halves. Now, it’s time for the next part. This is where we really make the mango into tasty bites.

To slice or cube the mango, use a knife to make marks on its flesh. Cut lengthwise first, about ½ inch apart, not through the skin. Then, cut the other way, making a grid. This turns the mango into easy-to-eat cubes or slices.

Another neat way is to fold the mango cheek inside out after cutting it. This makes the mango look like a hedgehog’s back, with segments sticking out. It’s a fun and pretty way to serve mango.

You can then pick the mango segments off with a small knife. Or, if the mango is soft enough, use your hands. This feels great and works well with a ripe mango.

After you’ve cut your mango, there are so many things you can do with it. Put it in your fruit salad, smoothie, or yogurt for a taste of the tropics. You can mix it with other fruits for a colorful salsa. Or, just eat it as a snack. The choice is yours!

Example of Mango Slicing

“Learning to slice mangoes finely can really up your cooking game. With a few careful cuts, a mango turns into pretty, tasty pieces. Don’t worry, with a little practice, you’ll slice them perfectly!”

Mango Slicing Guide

Steps	Description
1	Score the flesh of the mango cheeks with a knife to create lengthwise and crosswise cuts.
2	Cuts should be about ½ inch apart but should not go through the skin.
3	Press the back side of the mango cheek to make the segments stick out.
4	Trim the segments off with a small paring knife or remove them with your hand if the mango is ripe enough.

Cutting Around the Pit

Now we’ve removed the mango skin and divided it into halves. It’s time to deal with the pit. Place the mango’s middle section flat on the cutting board. Use a paring knife to cut around the pit carefully. Start from where the mango meat is hard. The pit’s shape is oval and you can’t cut through it.

Be careful while cutting around the pit. It might be a bit firm. So, take it slow and make sure your cuts are accurate. This way, you’ll get a lot of the tasty mango meat.

After you’ve cut around the pit, use your fingers to peel the skin from the flesh. The skin should come off easily. Then, you’ll see the juicy, ready-to-eat mango.

This method lets you cut around the mango pit well. You can get all the mango meat out this way.

Tips for Cutting and Handling Mangos

Cutting mangos requires you to be careful. Mangos are very slippery. It’s easy to lose your grip, so avoiding accidents is key.

Here are some important tips for cutting a mango safely:

Protect your grip: Mangos are slippery, so wear a clean dishwashing glove. Or, put a paper towel under your hand. This makes sure you have a good grip and cuts down the chance of getting hurt.
Use the right tools: A sharp knife or a mango slicing tool is best for clean cuts. A sharp knife means your mango will be cut nicely and evenly.
Wash before cutting: Wash the mango in water before cutting it. This gets rid of any dirt or germs, making it safer to eat.

With these tips, cutting mangos will be easier and safer. You’ll enjoy your mango without worry.

Tips for Cutting and Handling Mangos
Protect your grip
Use the right tools
Wash before cutting

Storing and Preserving Mango

Once you know how to cut mangoes, you might have extra pieces. Don’t worry! You can save and enjoy them later in different ways.

Storing Mango in the Refrigerator:

After cutting, mangoes can stay fresh in the fridge for five days. It’s important to keep them in an airtight container. This stops them from picking up bad smells and turning dry.

Freezing Mango:

If you have too many mangoes, freezing is a great choice. They will keep well for six months in the freezer. They’ll still taste good and feel nice when thawed.

Here’s how to freeze mango:

Peel and cut mango as you like, into slices or cubes.
Place these on a tray lined with parchment paper, not touching.
Put the tray in the freezer for about 2 hours, till the mango is firm.
Then, put the frozen mango in a bag or container, getting rid of any air.
Don’t forget to mark the date on the bag or container.

You can use frozen mango without thawing completely. Drop it in smoothies, desserts, or sauces. Or let it sit a bit if adding to salads or cold dishes.

To prevent freezer burn, ensure the mango is sealed well. A good seal keeps the mango tasting fresh.

A Note on Texture:

Freezing mango changes its texture to be a bit softer. This is a common change and doesn’t spoil its taste or use in recipes.

Knowing how to store and freeze mangoes is valuable. You’ll get to enjoy them anytime, season or not. Use the fridge or freezer, and your mangoes will last longer.

Cooking and Baking with Mango

Once you know how to cut a mango, you can use it in many dishes. From cooking to baking, mango adds a sweet and tropical touch. Impress your friends and family with these mango infused recipes.

1. Creamy Mango Fluff

Make your desserts sweeter with mango fluff. Mix whipped cream, condensed milk, and vanilla. Add diced mango for a tropical kick. Chill it before serving.

2. Refreshing Mango Margarita

Beat the heat with a mango margarita. Blend mango, tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice. Pour in glasses with a salt rim. Top with mango for a tropical take on a margarita.

3. Flavorful Mango-Avocado Salad

Mix mango’s sweetness with creamy avocado in a salad. Add them to greens, tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with lime vinaigrette.

Top with toasted almonds for crunch. Enjoy a tasty and healthy salad.

“Mango adds a burst of tropical flavor and vibrant color to both sweet and savory dishes. Its natural sweetness and juicy texture make it a versatile ingredient in various recipes.”

4. Tropical Mango and Halloumi Fritto Misto

Try mango and halloumi in a fried dish. Dip halloumi in tempura and fry. Serve with fresh mango. It’s a mix of crispy and sweet flavors.

Cooking or baking, mango brings a unique twist. Let your cooking shine with this tropical fruit. Have fun and be creative in the kitchen.

Other Uses for Mango Pits

Did you know mango pits aren’t just thrown away? You can do cool things with them. For example, you can grow a mango plant. You can also use them to naturally scrub your skin.

Growing a Mango Plant

Dream of having home-grown mangoes? You can plant a mango pit. It’s pretty simple.

Start by cleaning off the flesh from the mango pit. Then, let it dry. This stops mold.
Germinate the seed by keeping it warm and wet. You can wrap it in a moist paper towel. Or plant it in well-drained soil.
Put the seed in a sunny spot. Water it often. It takes time, but soon you’ll see it sprout.
Once it’s a tiny plant, give it lots of sun, water, and food. You might need a bigger pot, or plant it outside if the weather is right.
Not every seed will grow a fruit tree. But seeing your plant grow is fun, even if it doesn’t fruit.

Your mango tree will need care and the right environment to fruit.

Using Mango Pits as a Natural Skin Scrub

Besides planting, you can use mango pits to scrub your skin. They work great at smoothing and refreshing your skin. Here’s how:

Start by cleaning the pit. Then, let it dry.
Gently rub the dried pit on your skin in circles. Focus on rough or dry areas.
Rinse with warm water. Then, dry your skin gently.
Finally, use moisturizer to keep your skin soft.

So, don’t toss your mango pits. Use them for fun projects and as part of your skincare. Try these out and see the great things mango pits can do!

Conclusion

Learning how to cut a mango step by step makes enjoying this tasty fruit easy. First, choose a ripe mango and peel it down. Then slice it into halves. Remove the pit, and slice or cube the mango as preferred.

Cutting a mango can be tricky because it’s slippery. To avoid accidents, use the right tools like a sharp knife or a mango slicer. This way, you can enjoy the mango’s delicious juice and sweetness in meals.

After cutting a mango, there are fun ways to use the pit. You can grow a mango plant or use the pit for a skin scrub. With practice, cutting a mango will get easier. Soon, you’ll effortlessly enjoy this delicious tropical fruit.

FAQ

How do you choose a ripe mango?

Pick a ripe mango by its feel, not its color. Give it a soft squeeze to check. It should be firm but not hard. Look for a sweet smell near the stem too.

How do you peel a mango?

Grip the mango and use a peeler to take off the skin. Peel from the top to the bottom. For safety, use a glove or place a paper towel under the mango.

How do you cut a mango into halves?

First, peel the mango and place it on a board. Cut around the pit to get the two sides. Then, slice off the rest of the fruit.

How do you slice or cube a mango?

After peeling and removing the pit, slice the mango. Use a paring knife for this step.

Are there alternative methods to cut a mango?

Yes, special tools like mango splitters exist. They help take out the pit and slice the fruit. Some even have a scoop.

How do you cut around the mango pit?

Lay the fruit flat and slice around the pit with a paring knife. Then, peel the skin from the fruit.

What are some tips for cutting and handling mangos?

Be careful because mangos are slippery when you cut them. A clean glove or a paper towel can help you get a better grip. Always use a sharp knife for safe cutting. Wash the mango first to remove any dirt.

How do you store and preserve mango?

Store cut mango in the fridge for up to five days. Or freeze it for six months. Use an airtight container for both ways. This keeps the mango fresh and avoids freezer burn.

What are some ways to cook and bake with mango?

There are many recipes to try after learning to cut mango. Mix diced mango into desserts or make drinks like mango margarita. It’s great with avocado in a salad. Or, add it to fried dishes for a tropical flavor.

What are some other uses for mango pits?

Use mango pits to grow a plant. Dry and germinate the seed. Then, plant it in a warm, wet spot until it grows. You can also use the pit as a natural skin scrub.