How Do You Cut a Mango with a Pit?

Cutting a mango with a pit involves navigating around the large, flat seed inside. Here's a common method, along with a few alternatives:

Method 1: The Hedgehog Method

This is a popular and effective way to get the most mango flesh.

Stand the Mango: Position the mango upright on a cutting board, stem end facing up or down.
Slice the Cheeks: Imagine the pit as a long, flat oval running vertically through the center. Using a sharp knife, slice down one side of the mango, as close to the pit as possible. Repeat on the other side. You should now have two "cheeks" of mango.
Score the Cheeks: With each cheek flesh-side up, use the tip of your knife to score a grid pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
Invert and Separate: Gently push the skin side of each cheek up, inverting the scored flesh. This "hedgehog" appearance makes it easy to separate the cubes.
Remove the Cubes: Use a knife or spoon to scoop the mango cubes away from the skin.
Address the Pit: The pit will still have flesh clinging to it. You can carefully slice away this remaining flesh or peel it. Be cautious when working around the pit.

This method works well if you prefer mango slices.

Peel the Mango: Use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to remove the skin from the entire mango.
Slice Down the Sides: Stand the mango upright and slice down one side, as close to the pit as possible. Repeat on the other side.
Slice Remaining Flesh: Carefully slice the remaining flesh away from the pit.

This is a quick and easy way to separate the mango flesh.

Slice the Cheeks: As described in Method 1, slice the mango into two cheeks.
Use the Glass Rim: Hold one mango cheek with the cut-side facing up. Slide the rim of a drinking glass between the mango flesh and the peel.
Scoop the Flesh: Gently push down and twist the glass, separating the mango flesh from the skin into the glass. Repeat with the second cheek.

Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife makes the process safer and easier.
Be careful when working around the pit: The pit can be slippery, increasing the risk of injury.
Choose ripe mangoes: Ripe mangoes are easier to cut and have a better flavor. Look for a slight give when gently squeezed.