How To Cut A Mango

Mangoes are exotic and delicious fruits that are native to the southern regions of Asia and some countries in Africa. These fruits are juicy, sweet, and soft when ripe, making them a perfect refreshing snack or a versatile ingredient for a wide range of recipes.

Often described as a tropical cousin to the peach, mangoes can be enjoyed in a number of ways, but one of the main challenges when it comes to mangoes is how to cut them. Mangoes have a thick and tough skin, a large pit in the center, and a fleshy pulp that can be slippery and difficult to manage. However, with a few simple steps, you can easily cut mangoes and enjoy them without any hassle.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut a mango like a pro:

What you will need:

- A ripe mango

- A sharp knife

- A cutting board

Step 1: Choosing a ripe mango

Before you start cutting your mango, it is important to choose a ripe fruit that is ready to eat. A ripe mango should feel slightly soft when you squeeze it gently. If it is too hard, it is not yet ripe, and if it is too mushy, it might be overripe and spoilt. Look for mangoes that have a bright and vibrant color, with no bruises or spots.

Step 2: Wash and dry the mango

Wash the mango thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the skin. You don't need to peel the mango before cutting it. Once you have washed it, pat it dry with a clean towel.

Step 3: Cut the top and bottom off the mango

Place the mango on a cutting board and slice off a thin piece from the top. This will help expose the top of the pit. Then, flip the mango over and cut off a thin piece from the bottom.

Step 4: Stand the mango up and cut vertically

Turn the mango upright so that it stands on one of the flat ends that you just cut off. Taking a sharp knife, cut down one side of the mango, sliding the knife along the flat surface of the seed, starting at the top and going all the way down to the other end.

Step 5: Repeat on the other side

Turn the mango around and repeat the same process on the other side, slicing down vertically from the top to the bottom, following the curve of the pit.

Step 6: Cut the cheeks off

You should now have two mango cheeks, which are the large, fleshy pieces of fruit that remain after you have sliced off the sides. To remove the cheeks, hold the mango upright with one hand and use your other hand to cut into the flesh of one of the cheeks, making sure you don't slice all the way through the skin. Then, make another diagonal cut in the opposite direction, creating a grid-like pattern on the flesh of the fruit.

Step 7: Scoop the mango flesh out

Using a spoon, scoop the flesh of the mango out of the skin and into a bowl. Repeat the same process with the other cheek.

Step 8: Remove any remaining fruit from the seed

You may have some mango flesh still attached to the seed. You can peel off the thin layer of skin and enjoy the fruit as is, or use a knife to carefully cut off any remaining flesh.

Step 9: Cut the flesh into small pieces

Once you have removed the cheek from the skin, you can cut the fruit into smaller pieces or cubes, depending on how you plan to use it. Mangoes are great in fruit salads, smoothies, or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Tips for cutting mangoes:

- If you find the mango too slippery to hold, place it on a paper towel to stabilize it.

- If you don't have a sharp knife, you may end up squishing the mango instead of slicing it cleanly. A serrated knife will also work well.

- Mangoes have a large and flat seed in the center, so you need to cut around it to remove the juicy fruit. Don't try to cut through the seed, as it may damage your knife and you won't be able to remove it easily.

- Mangoes can be eaten as a savory treat as well as a sweet snack. They are great in salads, stir-fries, and even sandwiches.

- Mangoes are available year-round, but they are in season in the summer and early autumn in most parts of the world.

Conclusion

Cutting a mango may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you can become a pro in no time. Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious fruit that are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They are a great addition to any diet and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily cut a mango and enjoy its sweet and succulent taste.