Quickly and easily chop a mango using these simple steps!
Methods for Chopping a Mango
Several methods exist for chopping a mango, catering to different preferences and desired outcomes. Here are a few popular techniques:
Method 1: Cheeks and Dice
- Stand the mango upright: Place the mango on its side, with one of the pointed ends facing you.
- Slice the cheeks: Using a sharp knife, slice down each side of the large, flat pit, creating two "cheeks." Try to stay about ¼ inch from the pit.
- Score the flesh: Lay a mango cheek flat-side down. Score the flesh in a grid pattern, making shallow cuts both vertically and horizontally.
- Dice the mango: Flip the scored cheek over and push the diced mango pieces out from the skin.
This method, referenced in several online tutorials including YouTube videos like "How To Cut And Dice A Mango," yields perfectly sized mango cubes ideal for salads, salsas, or as a standalone snack.
Method 2: Slicing and Scooping
- Cut off the ends: Trim both ends of the mango.
- Slice the sides: Cut down both sides of the pit, creating two halves.
- Score the flesh: Use a knife to score the flesh in a grid pattern. Don’t cut all the way through the skin.
- Scoop out the flesh: Use a spoon to scoop the diced mango from the skin.
This method, often illustrated on sites like SimplyRecipes, provides a cleaner, less messy way to remove the mango flesh.
Method 3: Simple Slices
- Peel the Mango: Peel the skin from the mango. You can use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
- Slice lengthwise: Slice the mango lengthwise into thin slices.
- Slice across: Slice across each of the mango slices to create smaller pieces.
This method, a simpler approach, is quicker and best suited for serving fresh mango slices as a simple dessert or addition to other dishes. Many online recipes showcase this straightforward approach.
Tips for Chopping Mangoes
- Use a sharp knife: This ensures clean cuts and prevents bruising the fruit.
- Avoid cutting too deep: When scoring the flesh, be careful not to cut through the skin.
- Choose ripe mangoes: Ripe mangoes are easier to cut and have a sweeter flavor.
