How To Cut and Serve Mango Like A Pro
The fresh excellence and taste of a mango in a summer dish—yum. It brings a meal together no matter how savory or sweet. Ice cream? Absolutely. Pork chops? Yes, please. Mango is a delicious, welcome guest to almost any plate. But the real question is: how do we cut this thing? Let’s take a look at some of our options.
HOW TO REMOVE THE PIT AND CUT A MANGO
Much like an avocado, the pit inside the mango is not something you want to eat. So, to cut the pit (also called a stone) out of the mango:
- Place your mango on a nonslip cutting mat or cutting board. Find the stem and point it upward.
- Using a paring knife, slice vertically along both sides of the stem, leaving roughly a ½-inch section in the middle.
- Next, take one of the sides and make lengthwise and crosswise cuts on each, creating a checkered pattern. Repeat on the other side.
- Then, using your knife or a large spoon, push the skin inward and slice or scoop the chunks from each of the two halves.
- Returning to the pit, use your knife and cut the skin away from the fruit. Then, cut away any remaining mango until the pit is revealed.
- Enjoy!
HOW TO PEEL A MANGO
Peeling off the mango skin using a peeler is another way to keep the integrity of the mango shape. You may have to peel over the same area multiple times to reveal the bright yellow-orange of the inner mango.
HOW TO CUT A MANGO WITH A CUP
Another option is the cup method, which is ideal when your mango is perfectly ripe. A round drinking glass or pint glass will work wonders here. Bonus points if you’re using the same glass to enjoy a smoothie afterward!
- Using the same technique as above, cut lengthwise along both sides of the stem and use the lip of a cup to scoop out the mango from each of the two halves.
- Start with the bottom of the mango against the top of the cup and slowly contour the glass against the inside of the mango skin. Presto!
- Now you can slice, dice or enjoy the mango whole.
HOW TO EAT AND ENJOY MANGO
It takes two to tango, but just a yearning appetite to mango. Whether you’re aiming to freshen up a savory meal or need a tasty midday snack, our library of recipes will guide your taste buds to a heavenly place.
BEST MANGO RECIPES
Here are a handful of mango recipes to get you started in your new wheelhouse:
- Shrimp Skewers with Spiced Mango Wraps: Having a few friends over for apps and drinks? These shrimp skewers with spiced mango wraps are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Pineapple Mango Sorbet: It’s never too late to get into creating your own sorbet. A healthier alternative to ice cream with a burst of mango flavor can help satiate that late-night sugar binge.
- Mango and Chipotle Chili Guacamole: Tired of your go-to guacamole recipe and want to show up to the barbecue with a stunner? This mix of sweet mango and savory chipotle chili will send a signal to the whole party that you’re crushing the guacamole game.
- Mango Delight Smoothie: What do you do with that overripe mango? Don’t throw it away! Check out this Mango Delight Smoothie. Enjoyed best in the sun, after a workout or in the middle of a stressful day.
- Salmon Mango Poke Bowl: Add a new entrée to the recipe rotation. When you’re looking for a treat without breaking the bank, celebrate with the Salmon Mango Poke Bowl.
HOW TO KNOW WHEN A MANGO IS RIPE
You can tell a mango is ripe with a gentle squeeze. If it’s soft and has a bit of give, that should indicate the mango is ripe and ready to eat. If you squeeze a mango and it feels hard like a lime, it needs a bit more time.
HOW TO STORE A MANGO
Mangoes should be ripened at room temperature, then stored in a refrigerator until ready to use.
HOW LONG DO MANGOES LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Mangoes can be stored for about 4–5 days once they’ve reached ripeness.
CAN I FREEZE A MANGO?
You sure can. When you freeze mangoes for smoothies, jellies and sauces, you’ll extend the life of a mango much longer than if you had kept them in the fridge. Slice or cube mangoes before freezing, as it’s easier to add them to a smoothie in chunks.
WHEN ARE MANGOES IN SEASON?
Typically, the best season for fresh mangoes in the US is between May and September.
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