How to Cut a Mango - And 10 Ways to Use • Flavor Feed

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to cut a mango. It doesn’t require a culinary degree, but a little guidance will help you get more of the delicious flesh off its hefty pit. And while there’s certainly more than one way to slice the fruit, this particular method is the one I use with great results.

Mangoes whole, ct in half. and into cubes.

Stumped on how to use fresh mango? See below for 10 delicious options.

Step-by-step instructions

Place the mango on a cutting board, with the stem end facing away from you, Using a sharp knife, slice downward along one side of the large center pit, about 1⁄4 inch from the center. Remove one side (or cheek) of the mango. Repeat with the other side.
Stand the mango up vertically, and slice along the pit to remove the remaining two thinner sides of the mango.
For strips, carefully and without cutting all the way through to the skin, cut thin lines into the flesh of the mango. For cubes, cut a crosshatch pattern.
Using a large spoon, scoop the mango slices or cubes from the skin into a bowl.

Common Mango Varieties

Haden mangos are the standard variety that most supermarkets carry. They are renowned for their vibrant red-orange skin and sweet, juicy flesh, and boast a rich, tropical flavor with hints of peach and citrus.

Champagne mangoes are smaller and sweetest variety you can find. Their flesh is dense, smooth, string-free, creamy, and easy to cut
away from the slim pits. They have a floral-honey taste with a hint of tartness. Grab them when they’re available, usually April thru August.

How to Buy and Store Mangoes

When buying fresh mangoes, look for fruits with firm skin and a sweet aroma. Avoid mangoes with bruises or blemishes. Ripen them at room temperature until fragrant and yielding to gentle pressure. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow down ripening and prolong freshness, where they can last for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze mango slices for longer-term storage, perfect for smoothies, desserts, and other recipes requiring ripe mangoes.

10 Easy Ways to Use Fresh Mango

1. Mango Smoothie: Blend fresh mango chunks with yogurt, a splash of milk, and honey to make a refreshing smoothie.

2. Mango Salsa: Combine diced mango with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a flavorful salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

3. Mango Salad: Toss together fresh mango slices with mixed greens, cucumber, red bell pepper, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a vibrant and nutritious salad.

4. Mango Sorbet: Blend ripe mangoes with a little sugar and lime juice, then freeze the mixture until it reaches a sorbet-like consistency. Serve as a refreshing dessert.

5. Mango Chutney: Cook diced mango with onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices like ginger, garlic, and chili flakes to make a sweet and tangy chutney. Enjoy it as a condiment with grilled meats or as a spread on sandwiches.

6. Mango Pancakes: Add diced mango to your pancake batter for a fruity twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Top with maple syrup and additional mango slices.

7. Mango Popsicles: Blend mango chunks with coconut milk and a little honey, then pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a tropical treat.

8. Mango Rice: Stir chopped mango into cooked rice along with toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and a squeeze of lime juice for a flavorful side dish.

9. Mango BBQ Sauce: Puree mango with barbecue sauce ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, and spices for a fruity BBQ sauce.

10. Mango Margarita: Blend fresh mango with tequila, lime juice, and ice for a tropical twist on the classic margarita.