How to cut a mango without wasting a piece
Mangoes are one of the most delicious and satisfying fruits for summer. Their vibrant colors, sweet aroma, and juicy flesh make them a delightful treat. However, just like cutting a pineapple, for those unfamiliar with cutting mangoes, their unique shape and large seed can be a bit daunting. Don’t worry, the instruction below will show you how to cut a mango without waste.
How to know a mango is ripe?
Determining the ripeness of a mango can be a bit tricky, but not possible. Here are some tips to help you know when a mango is ripe and ready to enjoy:
- Color: Different mango varieties have varying colors when ripe, so it’s important to know the specific variety you are dealing with. Some types of mangos turn golden yellow when ripe, while others may exhibit shades of orange, red, or green. Anyways, avoid mangoes that have large patches of light green as they are likely underripe.
- Texture: Gently squeeze the mango with your fingertips but be careful not to bruise the fruit. A ripe mango will yield slightly to pressure, like a ripe peach or avocado. If it feels overly firm, it’s probably underripe, and if it feels excessively soft or mushy, it may be overripe.
- Aroma: Ripe mangoes emit a sweet and fragrant aroma from the stem end. If it smells mildly sweet or has no aroma at all, it may still need some time to ripen. Avoid mangoes with a sour or fermented smell, as they may be past their prime.
Remember, mangoes are best enjoyed when fully ripe. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can consume them when they are slightly underripe. However, if you desire that juicy, it’s worth waiting until the mango is perfectly ripe.
In case you have a firm mango that is not yet ripe, you can allow it to ripen naturally at room temperature. Depending on the initial ripeness and ambient temperature, this process may take a few days up to a week.
By considering these factors and observing the signs of ripeness, you can confidently select a mango that is at its peak flavor and enjoy the delightful sweetness of this tropical fruit.
How to cut a mango without wasting a piece
Start by peeling the mango skin, then carefully observe its shape to cut two large pieces in the front and back of the seed lengthwise. Cut two additional pieces on the sides and all remaining flesh around the seed. Tools needed include one medium-sized knife, one cutting board. Please read the following instructions carefully and give it a try:
- Step 1. Wash and Dry: Begin by washing the mango under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Step 2. Peel off the skin: Gently peel off the skin of the mango. Try to peel it off without taking away too much mango flesh. Also cut the small stem at one end.
- Step 3. Cut 2 largest pieces: the mango seed is flat and oval-shaped. Slide your knife gently from the stem and cut downwards following the curve of the seed. The goal is to cut as close to the seed as possible without hitting it, to get 2 largest pieces (mango cheeks) in front and back of the seed lengthwise.
- Step 4. Cut 2 other pieces on the side: continue to follow the curve of the seed and cut off 2 other pieces on 2 sides. Below is what we’ve got after this step.
- Step 5. Trim Remaining Flesh: After removing the majority of the mango flesh, carefully cut off any remaining flesh around the seed. You can either use a knife or simply use your teeth to enjoy this delicious treat.
- Step 6. Cut large pieces into stick/cube based on your purpose.
Easy, isn’t it? Enjoy the vibe of summer with delicious mangoes now!
How to cut a mango without waste
The unique shape and large seed of a mango can be a bit frustating. However, it's totally possible to cut a mango without wasting a piece!
Materials
- Mango
Tools
- A medium sharp knife
- A cutting board
Instructions
- Step 1. Wash and Dry: Begin by washing the mango under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Step 2. Peel off the skin: Gently peel off the skin of the mango. Try to peel it off without taking away too much mango flesh. Also cut the small stem at one end.
- Step 3. Cut 2 largest pieces: the mango seed is flat and oval-shaped. Slide your knife gently from the stem and cut downwards following the curve of the seed. The goal is to cut as close to the seed as possible without hitting it, to get 2 largest pieces (mango cheeks) in front and back of the seed lengthwise.
- Step 4. Cut 2 other pieces on the side: continue to follow the curve of the seed and cut off 2 other pieces on 2 sides. Below is what we've got after this step.
- Step 5. Trim Remaining Flesh: After removing the majority of the mango flesh, carefully cut off any remaining flesh around the seed. You can either use a knife or simply use your teeth to enjoy this delicious treat.
- Step 6. Cut large pieces into stick/cube based on your purpose.
Other how-to instruction to cut fruits: