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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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
Mango Smoothie Recipes
All that mango talk has me craving a smoothie! This is my all time fav smoothie ingredient, so I’ve got quite a few recipes to share:
- Mango Smoothie
- The Best Smoothie EVER
- Orange Mango Smoothie
- Strawberry Mango Smoothie
- Cilantro Mango Smoothie
- Mango Smoothie Bowl
- Vitamin C Smoothie Cubes
- Avocado Banana Smoothie
So put that freshly cut mango to good use in one of these recipes, or make up your own! The sky’s the limit with mango as a smoothie ingredient. If you’ve got a fav smoothie recipe that uses mango, then leave a comment sharing your recipe! I seriously love how creative this community is, and always welcome new recipes.
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
How to Cut a Mango
Ingredients
- 1 mango ripe
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Instructions
- Find the stem of the mango.
- Cutย through the mango length-wise, about 1 inch from either side of the stem.
- Sliceย a grid through each of the cut portions, not cutting all the way through the skin.
- Placeย your thumbs on the skin side and flex inward, exposing the grid you just cut.
- Sliceย out the exposed mango chunks with a knife or spoon.
- Refrigerateย in an airtight container, toss into a blender for a smoothie, or just eat!
Video
Notes
- I used a Tommy Atkins variety of mango since that is what my grocery store sold, yet you can use whatever variety you want (just know they come in all shapes and sizes!).
- Make sure your mango is at peak ripeness when you cut it. To determine this, gently squeeze the mango. It should feel slightly soft.
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! ๐
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!