Mangoes are delicious, juicy fruits that are perfect for snacking, salads, smoothies, and desserts. However, their slippery skin and large pit can make them tricky to peel and prepare. If you’ve ever struggled with a knife or ended up with a mess, here’s a simple trick that will change your mango-prepping game forever: you can peel a mango with just a spoon!

Why Use a Spoon?

Using a spoon to peel a mango is quick, easy, and less likely to result in waste or injury. This method allows you to effortlessly separate the fruit from its skin, making the whole process much more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to get the most out of every juicy bite without leaving half the mango behind on the skin.

How to Peel a Mango with a Spoon

Step 1: Choose a Ripe Mango

A ripe mango will give slightly when pressed and have a sweet fragrance. Unripe mangoes can be hard to peel and less flavorful, so make sure your mango is ready to eat.

Step 2: Cut the Mango

Place the mango on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut off both cheeks (the sides of the mango) as close to the pit as possible. You should have two large pieces of mango flesh and the remaining middle section with the pit.

Step 3: Score the Flesh

With the mango cheeks facing up, use the knife to score the flesh in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. This will create a grid of mango cubes that are easier to scoop out.

Step 4: Use the Spoon

Take a large spoon and gently slide it between the flesh and the skin of the mango cheek. Follow the curve of the mango to scoop out the flesh in one piece. The scored pattern will help the mango cubes separate easily from the skin.

Step 5: Repeat with the Other Side

Repeat the scoring and scooping process with the other mango cheek. For the remaining flesh around the pit, use the spoon to scrape off as much as you can.

Enjoy Your Mango!

You now have perfectly peeled and cubed mango pieces ready to enjoy! You can eat them as is, add them to a fruit salad, blend them into a smoothie, or use them in your favorite mango recipe.

Additional Tips

  • Less Mess: Using a spoon minimizes mess and keeps more of the juice in the fruit where it belongs.

  • Safe and Easy: This method is safer than using a knife alone, reducing the risk of slipping and cutting yourself.

  • Versatile: This technique works well with other soft, pit-containing fruits like avocados and kiwis.

Conclusion

Peeling a mango with a spoon is a game-changer. It’s simple, efficient, and ensures you get the most out of this delicious fruit with minimal effort and mess. Next time you’re craving a mango, grab a spoon and try this easy technique. You’ll be enjoying your mango in no time, wondering why you didn’t discover this trick sooner!