Last Updated February 18th, 2021 at 12:03 pm by Lisa
Learn How To Cut A Mango easily TWO different ways using a knife or a mango splitter, and how to select a perfectly ripe mango and creative recipes to use them!
Plus mango nutrition facts, and other unique ways to enjoy mangos...
Links in this post are Amazon Affiliate Links to products I use and love.
So How Do You Slice A Mango?
Well, there are two options...
Option 1 - Traditional Cutting Board & Knife
- Rinse the mango well in cool water before cutting open. Use a clean knife and cutting board with a towel underneath to create a safe cutting surface.
- Mangos have one long flat seed in the center of the fruit, stand the mango stem side down on your cutting board, and hold the fruit.
Option 2 - Use A Mango Splitter
- Place the mango splitter on the mango matching up the widest part of the fruit with the widest part of the mango splitter.
- Push down, and cut the mango into two pieces, and discard the tough inedible seed from the center.
- Next, hold one half of the mango and using a small paring knife cut a grid down into the fruit but not through the skin. Cut about a ½" grid for a larger dice mango, or ¼" for smaller dice mango.
- Scoop the diced mango pieces out of the mango skin using a large spoon into a bowl.
Dice Mangos With A Knife:
- Stand the mango on your cutting board stem end down and hold. Place your knife about ¼" from the widest center line and cut down through the mango.
- Flip the mango around and repeat this cut on the other side. The resulting ovals of mango flesh are known as the "cheeks." What's left in the middle is mostly the mango seed.
- Next, hold one half of the mango and using a small paring knife cut a grid down into the fruit but not through the skin. Cut about a ½" grid for a larger dice mango, or ¼" for smaller dice mango.
- Scoop the diced mango pieces out of the mango skin using a large spoon into a bowl.
For mango slices: Once you have removed the seed, simply slice each side of the mango from one end to the other in about ½" long slices without slicing through the skin. Scoop out slices and enjoy in your favorite recipe!
Mango Fun Facts:
- Mangos are one of the most popular fruit in the World
- Mangos were first grown in India over 5,000 years ago
- Mango seeds traveled with humans from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa and South America beginning around 300 or 400 A.D.
- The paisley pattern, developed in India, is based on the shape of a mango
- A basket of mangos is considered a gesture of friendship in India
- Legend says that Buddha meditated under the cool shade of a mango tree
- Mangos are related to cashews and pistachios
- A mango tree can grow as tall as 100 feet
- The bark, leaves, skin, and pit of the mango have been used in folk remedies for centuries
Mango Health Benefits:
- Powerful in antioxidants which help fight cancer
- Compounds found in mangos may help protect the body against oxidative stress and damage.
- Mangos can reduce chronic inflammation, which can lead to cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases.
- Mangos (in moderation) may actually help to improve blood sugar control
- Studies are showing the micronutrients in mangos may fight cancer
Mango Nutrition Information:
- A one-cup serving of mangos is 100 calories
- Mangos provide 100% of your daily vitamin C
- 35% of your daily vitamin A
- 12% of your daily fiber
How To Pick A Ripe Mango:
- A red mango is not always a ripe mango
- Gently press a mango to judge ripeness, a ripe mango will “give” slightly
- A firm mango will ripen at room temperature over a few days
- To speed up ripening, place mangos in a paper bag at room temperature
- Once ripe, mangos can be moved to the refrigerator to slow down ripening for several days
More Mango Recipes:
- Try sprinkling a squeeze of lime, a little salt, or Tajin ~ a unique spice blend made with lime, world-class chilies and sea salt.
- Mangos are great in smoothies, salads, dressings, or mixed into tropical salsas. They also pair well with fish, chicken or pork, go well in desserts, or as a healthy delicious snack.
- In many Latin American countries, mangos are served peeled on a stick and sold by street vendors.
- Mangos have natural tenderizing properties, making them a perfect ingredient in marinades for grilling.
- 50+ Best Mango Recipes by Mango.org
- Mango Lassi Popsicles by Foodology Geek
- Mango Lemon Bars by Grandbaby Cakes
So there you have it, lots of ways to eat mangos and tips to be a star chef in your kitchen. Whether you buy a mango splitter or not is up to you, I really enjoy mine and it makes the job much easier but you don't need one to enjoy a sweet juicy mango anytime.
All The Best Dishes,
Lisa XO
Did you love this tip? Please take a minute to leave a star rating and a comment. Readers LOVE to hear how it helped you out in the kitchen!
Also, if you are on Pinterest, please follow Delicious Table and leave a comment or photo of the recipe you made!
How To Cut A Mango
Instructions
How to Cut a Mango Using A Knife:
- You can use a knife and a cutting board. Cut a small slice off the stem end so it sits stable, place one end of the mango on a cutting board.
- Next, carefully cut down feeling your way cutting between the mango seed and the fruit. The seed is tough and will resist your knife, one side of the mango will have a thicker piece of fruit than the other.
- Once you have cut both sides of mango away from the seed, use a butter knife to cut a criss-cross pattern down to the mango but not through the skin, then press the mango half to invert and scrape off the mango chunks into a bowl.
How To Cut A Mango Using A Mango Splitter:
- Wash with cool water and a quick spray of vinegar.
- Try using a mango splitter, the one I use is from OXO. It works so well, and did a fabulous job on this extra-large mango!
- Cut a small slice off the stem end so it sits stable, press the mango cutter down, and that is it...you discard (or compost) the seed in the center with one simple press.
- Each side piece of the mango is the part you want to use for recipes or snacking.
- Use a butter knife to cut a criss-cross pattern down into mango but not through the skin, then press the mango half to invert and scrape off the mango chunks into a bowl.
Notes
How To Pick A Ripe Mango:
- A red mango is not always a ripe mango
- Gently press a mango to judge ripeness, a ripe mango will “give” slightly
- A firm mango will ripen at room temperature over a few days
- To speed up ripening, place mangos in a paper bag at room temperature
- Once ripe, mangos can be moved to the refrigerator to slow down ripening for several days
Thanks for the OXO cutter tip. I love all their things and until I thought I owned them as well. Clearly, I am missing one essential kitchen tool!! Thanks!
Such a great post! Thanks for sharing all your tips and recipes!
Glad you found it helpful Laura! I used to avoid mangos, but not now with knowing a couple tips and tricks.
I can't believe mangos are the MOST popular fruit in the world! I can totally see why! This is a great resource for using them!
Hey I never knew that? WOW...I always was scared to cut them open until I learn the trick. I hope you enjoy some mangos this summer. Thanks Amy.
thank you delicioustable for giving me wonderful information
Oh my goodness!! I had NO idea they made a mango cutter. That is such an efficient way to cut out the seed and slice up a mango!! So many great things to make with a mango. Try my Maple Peach Barbecue Sauce and substitute Mango instead. Such a great kitchen tip!