The best way to cut a mammoth mango is to work around its large, flat pit instead of trying to cut straight through it. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation:
- Ensure you have a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. A paring knife or chef's knife works well.
- Wash the mango thoroughly under cool water.
2. Slicing the Cheeks:
- Orientation: Stand the mango upright on the cutting board, with the stem end facing up.
- First Slice: Locate the stem and visualize the flat, oval pit inside. Slice down just to the side of the stem, aiming to cut as close to the pit as possible. This will create one "cheek" of the mango.
- Second Slice: Repeat on the other side, creating the second "cheek." You should now have two large, fleshy pieces.
3. Dealing with the Pit:
- The remaining center section will contain the pit. You can carefully trim the flesh from around the pit with your knife. Be mindful of your fingers.
- Alternatively, you can use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin and then gnaw the remaining flesh directly from the pit (over a sink or trash can!).
4. Cubing the Cheeks:
- Grid Pattern: Place one cheek skin-side down on the cutting board. Without cutting through the skin, slice the flesh in a grid pattern, both lengthwise and widthwise. The size of the cubes is up to you.
- Inverting the Cheek: Gently push the skin side of the mango cheek upwards, inverting it so that the cubes separate and stick out.
- Removing the Cubes: You can now easily slice the cubes away from the skin with your knife or simply scoop them out with a spoon.
5. Enjoy!
Your mammoth mango is now cut into manageable and delicious cubes!
Summary Table:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Wash mango and gather a sharp knife and cutting board. |
| 2. Slice Cheeks | Stand mango stem-up and slice down on either side of the pit. |
| 3. Pit Section | Trim remaining flesh from the pit or enjoy the remaining flesh on the pit directly. |
| 4. Cube Cheeks | Score the flesh in a grid pattern (skin-side down), invert, and slice off the cubes. |
| 5. Enjoy | Savor your freshly cut mammoth mango! |
