How to Cut a Mango {Step-by-Step Pictorial}

Cutting a mango doesn’t have to be a mystery. This step-by-step pictorial shows how to cut a mango perfectly and effortlessly.

The mango originated in Southeast Asia and now are found all over the tropical world. The mango tree can grow upwards to SIXTY feet tall and produce fruit for 4-6 years.

Mangos are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants; especially Vitamin A. One serving produces 3,890 IU’s of Vitamin A. They contain special enzymes that aid in digestion. Because of these special enzymes, they are a perfect tenderizer and great for marinades, salsa, and smoothies.

Mangos can be found in different colors: yellow, green, and multicolored.

How Do You Know If A Mango Is Ripe?

Give the mango a gentle squeeze. If it’s firm to the touch yet gives slightly under pressure, then it is ripe. Avoid mangos that are too mushy or have brown marks.

The mango is also very fragrant when ripe. Hold it near your nose and smell the deliciousness.

Once ripe, you can store your mango in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

How to Cut a Mango Perfectly and Effortlessly

The mango has a long, flat pit down the center of the mango called a “stone”, “seed” or “pit”.  The pit is very similar in color to the fruit.

Your goal is to separate the flesh from the pit:

Lay the mango on its side. With a very sharp knife, place your knife about 1/4-inch away from the widest center point (assuming your pit is 3/4-inch thick) and slice down the mango cutting off the “cheek”. Repeat with the other side. You will end up with three sections: Two “cheeks” and a center piece with the pit in tact.

Take the flesh of one cheek and with a sharp knife, cut several lengthwise rows making sure not to cut through the peel. Turn the mango cheek 1/4 rotation and slice it in the other direction making a checker-board pattern. Repeat with the other cheek.

To Slice or Scoop?

At this point you can either slice or scoop the cubes away from the peel depending on your preference.

(1) To slice: Push the bottom of the cheek up to fan out the flesh and slice off the cubes close to the peel with a paring knife.

(2) To scoop: Cradle the cheek in the palm of your hand and with your other hand, scoop out the cubes of mango close to the peel with a spoon.

There still might be some good flesh around the pit, so if desired, peel off the skin from the center piece and eat around the pit.

Voila! You have a perfectly cut mango to enjoy.