How to Cut and Dice a Mango

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut and dice a mango:

What You’ll Need:

• 1 ripe mango
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Spoon (optional)

Steps:

1. Wash the Mango: Begin by washing the mango thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or pesticide residue.
2. Identify the Pit: Mangoes have a large, flat pit in the center. The goal is to slice around this pit. Look at the mango and notice how it’s longer in one direction; the pit runs along this longer axis.
3. Slice Off the Sides (Cheeks): Hold the mango upright on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make two cuts about ¼ inch away from the center (this avoids the pit), removing the two “cheeks” of the mango.
4. Score the Mango: Take one of the mango cheeks and place it skin-side down. Use the tip of your knife to make vertical and horizontal cuts in the flesh of the mango, creating a grid pattern. Be careful not to cut through the skin.
5. Invert the Mango: Once scored, gently push the skin from the backside, inverting the mango so that the cubes pop out.
6. Scoop Out the Cubes: Use a spoon to scoop out the mango cubes. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can peel the skin and cut the cubes off.
7. Cut Around the Pit: There’s still flesh around the pit, so carefully cut off the remaining mango from the sides of the pit, then peel and slice or dice that mango as well.
8. Ready to Serve: Your diced mango is now ready to enjoy! You can use it in salads, smoothies, salsas, or just as a snack.

Bonus Tip:

To check if a mango is ripe, gently press on the skin. If it gives slightly under pressure and has a fragrant aroma near the stem, it’s ready to be cut.

Enjoy your freshly diced mango!