Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit that is loved by many people all over the world. They are not only sweet and juicy, but they are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants that make them a healthy addition to your diet. However, cutting a mango can be a bit tricky, especially if you have never done it before. For those of you who don’t know how to cut a mango, we will take you through the step-by-step process of cutting a mango so that you can enjoy this delicious fruit without any fuss.

How to cut a mango

Step 1: Choose a Ripe Mango

Before you can start cutting a mango, you need to make sure that you have a ripe one. A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch and will have a sweet aroma. You can also tell if a mango is ripe by its colour. A ripe mango will have a bright, golden colour, while an unripe one will be green. If you are not sure if a mango is ripe or not, give it a gentle squeeze. If it gives slightly, it is probably ripe.

Step 2: Wash the Mango

Before you cut the mango, you need to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the skin. You can do this by holding the mango under running water and rubbing it gently with your hands.

Step 3: Prepare Your Cutting Board and Knife

To cut a mango, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. It is best to use a cutting board that has a groove around the edge to catch any juices that may escape from the mango.

Step 4: Cut the Mango in Half

Hold the mango firmly on your cutting board with one hand. Using your other hand, cut down the centre of the mango, starting at the stem and ending at the bottom. You should feel the knife touch the pit in the centre of the mango. Cut around the pit to create two mango halves.

Step 5: Remove the Pit

The pit in the centre of the mango is not edible, so you need to remove it. To do this, take one half of the mango and hold it with the skin side down. Use your knife to make a series of lengthwise and crosswise cuts in the flesh of the mango but be careful not to cut through the skin. Then, use your fingers to push up on the skin side of the mango, causing the diced pieces to pop up. Cut or scrape off the cubes from the skin. Repeat this process with the other half of the mango.

Step 6: Cut the Mango Into Slices

If you want to cut the mango into slices, you can do so by holding one of the mango halves with the skin side down on the cutting board. Use your knife to make lengthwise cuts in the flesh of the mango, but again, be careful not to cut through the skin. Then, gently push the skin side of the mango upwards to fan out the slices.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Mango

Now that you have cut your mango, you can enjoy it however you like. Mangoes are delicious eaten on their own, or you can add them to salads, smoothies, or desserts. You can also try dipping mango slices into a bit of chili powder and lime juice for a delicious and spicy treat.

Tips for Cutting a Mango

Here are some tips to help you cut a mango more easily:

1. Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make cutting a mango much easier and safer.
2. Use a cutting board with a groove: A cutting board with a groove around the edge will catch any juices that may escape from the mango.
3. Cut around the pit: When cutting a mango, be sure to cut around the pit in the centre to create two halves.
4. Make lengthwise and crosswise cuts: To remove the flesh from the pit, make a series of lengthwise and crosswise cuts in the flesh of the mango.
5. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh: Once you have made the cuts, use a spoon to scoop out the diced pieces of mango.
6. Be careful not to cut through the skin: When making cuts in the flesh of the mango, be careful not to cut through the skin. The skin can be tough and difficult to cut through, so it is best to avoid it if possible.
7. Practice makes perfect: Cutting a mango can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you will become more comfortable with the process.

In conclusion, cutting a mango is not as difficult as it may seem. By following these simple steps, you can easily cut a mango and enjoy its delicious flavour and health benefits. Just remember to choose a ripe mango, wash it thoroughly, use a sharp knife and cutting board, cut around the pit, and be careful not to cut through the skin. With a little practice, cutting a mango will become second nature, and you can enjoy this delicious fruit whenever you like.