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If you avoid fresh mangos because you aren’t sure how to properly cut them then this tutorial is for you! I’ve got a simple, no-fail way to cut a mango to get the most fruit and avoid the elusive core.
If this sounds like a funny post to you, then you’ve never tried to cut up a fresh mango. If you found this post because you HAVE tried (and maybe failed) to cut a mango… then hopefully my super simple trick will help! I’ve even got a video for all you visual learners out there; let’s all become mango cutting experts together.
What's in this post
Tools needed to cut a mango
To use my mango cutting methods, you need a few kitchen tools:
- Cutting board
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Tall glass or thick plastic cup
- Fresh + ripe mango (this method works on a variety of fresh, unpeeled mangos)
- Spoon (optional)
Why a cup? That’s the secret I’m spilling today! Once you’ve gathered your materials, read on… or skip ahead to the video.
November 9-13, 2026
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I’d love for you to soup it up with me! For 5 days, I’ll send you a daily veggie-packed soup that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and makes enough to freeze and pull out all winter.
How to Cut a Mango
Mangos have a core just like pineapples and pears. Have you ever tried to cut a mango down the middle? It probably didn’t work out very well. The core is pretty tough + doesn’t blend well, so both of my cutting methods help you easily get around that core, while still getting as much mango flesh as possible.
Method #1
- Locate the stem of the mango
- Cut through the mango length-wise about 1 inch from either side of the stem
- Take the cut portions and slice a grid with your knife in both portions, not cutting all the way through the skin
- Place your thumbs on the skin side, and flex inward, exposing the grid you just cut
- Carefully remove the mango chunks with a knife or spoon
Method #2
- Locate the stem of the mango
- Cut through the mango length-wise, about 1 inch from either side of the stem
- Take the cut portions and then slide them through a tall glass, hugging the peel as close to the glass as possible
- Either toss these large, peeled chunks right into the blender, or dice into smaller pieces for storing/freezing
Storing mango
If I’m going to use that nicely diced mango in the next day or so, then I’ll store it in an air-tight container in the fridge. While I store my un-cut mangos on the counter, once cut, the fridge is the place to be. Mango is loaded with vitamin C and folate as well as several other vitamins and minerals. I want all the nutrients I can get in each piece of food I eat, so buying mangos in peak season, then using immediately as well as freezing helps me maximize the health benefits of this juicy fruit.
How to freeze fresh mango
If I’m cutting up a fresh mango because it’s almost too ripe, then I need to freeze it. Grab a piece of parchment paper and then use it to line a baking sheet. Lay out your mango chunks so they aren’t touching on the parchment covered baking sheet, then place in the freezer.
Once the chunks are frozen, you can put them in a storage bag or container and freeze for months. If you’re like me and try to buy fruit seasonally, then freezing fresh fruit like this helps you keep the most nutrients in your smoothie ingredients. It also gives your smoothies the best flavor possible.
More How-To Recipes
Love learning how to use more plants in your life? Then you’ll want to learn how to…
- Freeze Bananas
- Make a Smoothie Thicker
- Cut Leeks
- Make a Flax Egg
- Freeze Spinach
- Clean a Blender
- Cut Pineapple
Recipe Card
How to Cut a Mango
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 mango ripe
Instructions
- Stand the mango on its end, stem side up. Cut down the length of the mango about 1 inch from each side of the stem to remove the two cheeks.
- Score each cheek in a grid pattern, cutting through the flesh but not the skin.
- Press on the skin side with your thumbs to push the cubes outward, then cut or scoop the mango cubes away from the skin.
- Serve right away, add to a smoothie or refrigerate in an airtight container.
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Recipe Notes
- Ripeness Tip: Choose a ripe mango; it should give slightly when you gently squeeze it.
- Prep Tip: Mangoes vary in shape and size by variety, so feel for the flat pit with your knife and adjust where you cut. Scrape any fruit left around the pit with a spoon.
- Serving Ideas: Toss the cubes into fruit salads, salsa or grain bowls, or blend them into smoothies.
- Storing: Cubed mango keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To freeze for smoothie freezer packs, spread the cubes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Nutrition
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3 g | Sodium: 2 mg | Potassium: 348 mg | Sugar: 28 g | Vitamin A: 2240 IU | Vitamin C: 75 mg | Calcium: 23 mg | Iron: 0.3 mg
Game changer!!
Love this mango cutting hack!
Thank you for this! I haven’t bought a fresh mango in years because I couldn’t cut it right. I’ll try again! 🙂
Okay, this glass trick has made me start buying fresh mangos again. Seriously, I cannot cut them to save my life, but I can do this trick!