How to Easily Cut a Mango

Learn to cut a mango properly.

Mangoes are delicious alone, made into salsa or fruit salads, or added to smoothies. They can be hard to cut, though, because the flesh is slippery and slimy. It helps to begin with a mango that is perfectly ripe. If the mango is too ripe, it will be too mushy to slice. If the mango is not ripe, it will be hard to cut. The perfect mango is firm but soft.

Instructions

1. Cut the mango in two places rather than down the center. Stand the fruit up straight and slice down 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the centerline on each side to remove the fleshy "cheeks" of the mango. The oblong pit will remain in the center section.

2. Support one of the larger chunks on a cutting board, cut side up. Without piercing the skin, slice the flesh into strips or cubes. Repeat with the remaining cheek.

3. Use a spoon or a paring knife to scoop out the fruit.

4. Pare the skin and dice the remaining flesh from around the pit.

Tips & Warnings

• One mango should provide one cup of diced fruit.

• There are mango slicers available, but all they do is slice around the pit. You still have to remove the flesh from the skin, either as described above or by peeling first. Mangoes are easy enough to cut without the mango slicer.

References

• Frieda's Inc.: Mango