Mangoes are one of the most beloved tropical fruits, offering a sweet, juicy, and refreshing taste that can be enjoyed on its own, in smoothies, salads, salsas, and countless other dishes. However, cutting a mango can be tricky due to its large, flat pit and slippery flesh. If you’ve ever struggled with slicing a mango, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the best methods for cutting a mango easily and safely.
1. How To Cut a Mango With Pit
What You’ll Need
- A ripe mango
- A sharp paring knife or a chef’s knife
- A cutting board
- A spoon (optional for scooping)
Before you start, make sure your mango is ripe. A ripe mango should give slightly when squeezed and have a fragrant aroma. If it’s too hard, it’s not ready yet, and if it’s overly soft, it may be overripe.
Instructions
Step 1: Wash the Mango
Before cutting, wash the mango thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residues from the skin. This ensures that no contaminants are transferred from the skin to the flesh when slicing.
Step 2: Identify the Pit
Mangoes have a large, flat pit (or seed) that runs through the center. Unlike other fruits, the pit of a mango is not round, so you’ll need to cut around it. Before cutting, take a moment to visualize the pit—it runs vertically through the mango.
Key Tip:
The mango is typically oval-shaped, and the pit runs lengthwise through the middle of the fruit. You’ll be cutting around this pit to remove the flesh.
Step 3: Cut Off the Sides (Cheeks)
Place the mango on a cutting board, standing upright with the stem side down. Using a sharp knife, slice off the two rounded “cheeks” of the mango. These are the sides of the mango that contain the most flesh. To do this:
- Position your knife about ¼ inch from the center of the mango (to one side of the pit).
- Slice downwards through the fruit, cutting as close to the pit as possible.
- Repeat on the other side, slicing off the second cheek.
- At this point, you should have two large mango cheeks and a center section with the pit.
Step 4: Score the Flesh of the Mango (For Cubes)
Now that you have the mango cheeks, it’s time to score the flesh. This method works well if you want mango cubes for salads, salsas, or snacking.
How to Score the Mango:
- Hold one mango cheek in your hand, flesh side up.
- Using the tip of your knife, make lengthwise cuts through the flesh, being careful not to cut through the skin.
- Turn the mango cheek and make additional crosswise cuts, so you’ve created a grid pattern on the flesh.
Once the mango is scored, gently push the skin upwards from underneath, turning the mango inside out. The cubes should now pop out, making them easy to cut or eat.
Key Tip:
If you’re not using the mango cubes immediately, you can use a spoon to scoop them out and transfer them to a bowl.
Step 5: Remove the Flesh from the Remaining Pit Section
After cutting off the cheeks, you’ll still have some mango flesh left near the pit. Don’t let it go to waste! Here’s how to get the most out of it:
- Hold the center section of the mango (with the pit still inside).
- Carefully slice away any remaining flesh on the sides of the pit.
- You can either eat these sections as they are or cut them into smaller pieces.
2. Alternative Method: Mango Slices
If you prefer mango slices instead of cubes, here’s a quick method:
- After cutting off the mango cheeks, place the cheek flesh-side-up on a cutting board.
- Use a paring knife to make lengthwise cuts through the flesh, creating long mango slices.
- Scoop the slices out with a spoon or peel the skin off the mango cheek first and then slice.
This method is perfect for adding mango slices to fruit platters or using them as a garnish.
3. Tips & Tricks for Cutting Mango
Use a sharp knife: Mangoes can be slippery, so using a sharp knife will make it easier to cut through the flesh cleanly.
Hold the mango steady: When cutting around the pit, make sure to hold the mango securely to prevent it from slipping.
Ripeness matters: If the mango is too soft (overripe), it will be difficult to cut cleanly, and the flesh may become mushy. If it’s too hard (underripe), you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few days to soften.
Cutting a mango doesn’t have to be difficult! By following these simple steps, you can easily remove the flesh from the pit and enjoy mango cubes or slices without the mess or frustration. Whether you’re snacking on mango by itself or using it in your favorite recipes, knowing how to cut a mango properly will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
With a bit of practice, you’ll be cutting mangoes like a pro in no time!