Mangoes are delicious, but they can be tricky to cut due to their large pit and slippery flesh. Here’s a quick and easy guide to cutting and dicing a mango perfectly every time. Follow these simple steps to enjoy your juicy mango without the mess!
Step 1: Wash the Mango
Before you start, wash the mango thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue from the skin.
Step 2: Identify the Pit
Mangoes have a large, flat pit in the center, so it’s important to know where it is before you start cutting. Hold the mango upright with the narrow end facing up. The pit runs lengthwise, so you’ll want to cut around it.
Step 3: Slice Off the Sides (Cheeks)
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Using a sharp knife, cut about 1/4 inch from the center on each side of the mango. These pieces are called the “cheeks.”
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You’ll end up with two large oval pieces of mango, one from each side of the pit.
Step 4: Score the Flesh
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Hold one of the mango cheeks in your hand, with the skin facing down.
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Use a knife to score the flesh of the mango in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut through the skin.
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For larger chunks, make fewer, bigger cuts.
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For smaller dices, make closer cuts.
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Step 5: Flip the Mango Inside Out
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Gently push the skin of the mango cheek from underneath so that the scored flesh pops outward in a cube-like pattern. It should look like a hedgehog with the cubes sticking out.
Step 6: Scoop Out the Diced Mango
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Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the diced mango cubes, separating them from the skin.
Step 7: Remove Flesh from the Pit
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After cutting the cheeks, you’ll be left with the middle part containing the pit.
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Cut around the edges of the pit to remove any remaining flesh.
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You can either slice or eat this part directly by nibbling around the pit.
Optional: Peel and Slice
If you prefer to have mango slices instead of cubes, peel the skin off the mango cheeks before cutting. Then, slice the flesh into your desired thickness.
Conclusion
Cutting and dicing a mango can be simple and mess-free with the right technique. By following these easy steps, you’ll have perfect mango cubes ready to enjoy in salads, smoothies, or just as a refreshing snack. Happy mango cutting!
