Learn How to Easily Cut a Fresh, Ripe Mango with Illustrated Steps

Selecting the Perfect Mango

Mangos are one of the most delicious fruits you can buy, but getting the most out of this tropical treat starts with selecting the right mango. When picking mangos, you'll want to find one that is slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy. The mango should have a sweet, fruity aroma. Avoid mangos with bruises or wrinkled skin. The shape of the mango doesn't matter too much - the flavor inside is what really counts!

Washing the Mango

Before cutting into a mango, you'll want to wash it. This removes any residual pesticides or dirt from the skin. Run the mango under cool water while gently rubbing the skin with your fingers or a soft vegetable brush. Drying the mango with a paper towel afterwards will give you the best cutting surface.

Cutting Board and Knife

Having the right cutting board and knife will make cutting a mango easier. Choose a durable wooden or plastic cutting board that can withstand the pressure of a sharp knife. A serrated blade works best to slice through the tough mango skin while still retaining flesh inside. A paring knife can help with more detailed mango prep work.

Prepping the Mango

Once you have your washed mango, cutting board, and knife ready, it's time to start prepping the mango. Here are the basic steps:

1. Cutting Off the Stem

Turn the mango on its side and locate the broad stem end. Use your knife to slice off the stem end, cutting close to the flesh without wasting any of the fruit.

2. Cutting the Cheeks

Stand the mango upright and make vertical cuts about 1/2 inch from either side of the pit, cutting down through the flesh. This will give you two mango cheeks.

3. Scoring the Flesh

Take one mango cheek in hand and using your knife, make lengthwise and crosswise cuts into the flesh without piercing the skin. This scoring method allows you to flip the mango cheek inside out for easy peeling.

Peeling, Slicing, and Dicing

Once you've prepped your mango cheeks, it's time for the best part: eating! Here's how to finish prepping mango for consumption:

Peeling the Mango

Gently flip the scored mango cheek inside out, pressing from behind to turn the cubes of mango flesh outwards. Use your knife to cut the flesh away from the skin in pieces. Discard skin.

Slicing the Mango

To make mango slices, stand peeled mango upright and make straight cuts down through the flesh. Mango slices are great for eating handheld or adding to fruit salads.

Dicing the Mango

For mango cubes or dice, slice the peeled mango cheek into planks. Then, make crosswise cuts through the planks to create cubes. Mango dice can be tossed into salsas, chutneys, desserts and more.

Storing Cut Mango

Like many fruits, cut mango oxidizes quickly when exposed to air. For best results, enjoy fresh cut mango immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The flesh may brown slightly but the flavor will remain.

With the right tools and these easy steps, you can master cutting a mango like a pro. Enjoy this tropical treat for breakfasts, desserts, salsas, and more!

FAQs

How do I know if a mango is ripe?

A ripe mango will give slightly when gently squeezed but still feel firm overall. The skin should be free of wrinkles, bruises, and mold. A strong fruity aroma also indicates ripeness.

What's the best knife for cutting a mango?

A serrated knife works best to cut through the tough mango skin while retaining the soft flesh inside. A paring knife offers more control for delicate tasks.

Is it possible to cut a mango without peeling it first?

Yes, you can slice off pieces of mango flesh from the pit without peeling. However, peeling makes it easier to portion the mango into tidy cubes or slices.

How should I store cut mango?

Place cut mango pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days maximum. The flesh may darken slightly but the flavor will remain.

Can I freeze cubed mango?

Yes, diced or cubed mango can be frozen for several months. For best results, freeze pieces spread out on a tray before transferring to an airtight freezer bag.