How to Cut a Mango
TL;DR: Choosing a ripe mango and cutting it properly can make all the difference in enjoying this delicious fruit. Look for mangos that yield slightly to gentle pressure and emit a sweet aroma. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily slice and dice your mango for the perfect addition to any dish or snack.
Key Takeaways:
- Select mangos that are slightly soft and have a sweet fragrance for optimal ripeness.
- Gather a sharp knife, cutting board, and optional peeler before cutting your mango.
- Cut the mango cheeks on either side of the pit, then score the flesh in a grid pattern.
- Utilize the remaining flesh around the pit for maximum mango enjoyment.
- Store cut mango properly in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Table of Contents
Selecting a Ripe Mango
When selecting a mango, gently squeeze the fruit to determine its ripeness. A ripe mango should yield slightly to pressure, similar to a ripe avocado or peach [1]. Avoid mangos that feel overly soft or mushy, as they may be overripe. The aroma of a mango can also provide clues about its ripeness. A ripe mango will emit a sweet, fruity fragrance near the stem end [2]. If there is little to no aroma, the mango may require further ripening.
Preparing to Cut the Mango
Before slicing into a mango, gather the necessary tools for the task. A sharp knife is crucial for making clean, precise cuts through the fruit's flesh. Opt for a knife with a sturdy, comfortable handle to ensure a secure grip while cutting. Additionally, a cutting board provides a stable surface to work on, preventing slips and accidents [1].
Gather necessary tools: sharp knife, cutting board, and peeler (optional)
While some mango-cutting techniques leave the skin intact, peeling the fruit before slicing is key to achieving pristine, ready-to-eat pieces [3]. A peeler allows for the efficient removal of the mango's skin, revealing the vibrant flesh beneath. With your tools at the ready, you're well-equipped to tackle the mango-slicing process with confidence and precision.
Cutting the Mango Cheeks
To begin cutting the mango cheeks, stand the mango upright on your cutting board, with the stem end facing upward. Locate the center of the mango, where the pit lies. Place your sharp knife about half an inch to the side of the center, and slice downward from the top of the mango to the bottom, following the curve of the fruit [1]. Repeat this process on the other side of the pit, yielding two large mango halves, or "cheeks."
Stand the mango upright, stem end down
If your knife happens to hit the pit during the cutting process, don't worry – simply remove the knife, adjust your cut a bit further away from the center, and try again. With a little practice, you'll develop an eye for gauging the location of the pit and making precise cuts [2]. Once you've successfully removed the mango cheeks, you're well on your way to enjoying the sweet, juicy flesh within.
Dicing or Slicing the Mango Flesh
With the mango cheeks ready, it's time to decide how to slice or dice the flesh to suit your preferences and the demands of your recipe. For diced mango, use your knife to make a grid pattern across the flesh, with lines about 1/2-inch apart [4]. Be careful not to cut through the skin. Once the grid is complete, you can either scoop out the diced flesh with a spoon or invert the skin, pushing it inside out so the cubes protrude. Use your knife to slice off the cubes, getting as close to the skin as possible.
Score the flesh of each mango cheek in a grid pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin
Alternatively, if you prefer long, elegant mango slices, you can achieve this by placing the peeled mango cheek flat on the cutting board and slicing it horizontally into thin strips [3]. This method allows for a cleaner and more refined presentation, perfect for garnishing desserts or adding to salads. Whichever slicing method you choose, the key is to use a sharp knife and work carefully to maintain the integrity of the mango's delicate flesh.
Utilizing the Remaining Mango
After dicing or slicing the mango cheeks, don't let the remaining flesh on the pit go to waste. To make the most of your mango, carefully cut away the skin from the pit using a small, sharp knife [1]. Then, slice off as much of the remaining flesh as possible, getting as close to the pit as you can without risking injury.
Carefully cut off any remaining flesh from around the pit
The salvaged mango flesh from around the pit is perfect for snacking on as a treat for the chef, or you can freeze it for later use in smoothies, sauces, or baked goods [2]. By taking a few extra moments to rescue this often-overlooked part of the fruit, you'll not only reduce food waste but also savor every last morsel of your mango's delectable flavor.
Storing Cut Mango
Once you've successfully cut your mango into slices or cubes, it's essential to store the fruit properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. Refrigerate your freshly cut mango in an airtight container or zip-top bag, squeezing out any excess air, for 3 to 5 days [1]. This will help prevent the mango from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in your refrigerator.
Refrigerate cut mango in an airtight container for 3-5 days
If you have more mango than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing it for later use. Spread the mango cubes or slices out on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Once the pieces are firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing [2]. Properly stored, frozen mango can last for up to 6 months, allowing you to enjoy the tropical flavor long after mango season has passed.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of selecting and cutting a mango can elevate your culinary experiences and allow you to fully enjoy this delightful fruit. By following these simple tips and techniques, you'll be able to confidently choose ripe mangos and prepare them with ease. Remember, having the right tools, like a sharp knife from Misen's high-quality knife collection, can make all the difference in your mango-cutting success. So go ahead, grab a mango, and start slicing your way to tropical bliss!
References
- Bauer, E. (n.d.). How to Cut a Mango, With Video. Retrieved from https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_cut_a_mango/
- Donofrio, J. (2021, May 02). How to Cut a Mango Recipe. Retrieved from https://www.loveandlemons.com/how-to-cut-a-mango/
- Unknown (2023, August 15). How to Cut a Mango. Retrieved from https://renanas.kitchen/how-to-cut-a-mango/
- Samira (2021, February 16). How to Cut a Mango (4+ Simple Methods). Retrieved from https://www.alphafoodie.com/how-to-cut-a-mango/
