How to Cut Mango: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mangos are a favorite tropical fruit for a reason. Their sweet flavor and firm but juicy texture make them perfect on top of yogurt, mixed into fruit salad, or added to a fruit smoothie. Plus, eating more mango can get you closer to your fiber and vitamin C goals for the day.

But they’re not the easiest fruit to cut, which can make prep work a pain — though it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple tricks, cutting fresh mango is easy. Here are the steps you need to know for the best way to cut a mango:

How to Cut It: Mango

1. Slice a small piece off the side opposite the stem — just enough to create a flat surface for the mango to rest while you cut it.
2. With the mango resting upright on the part you just cut, slice downward just off-center to avoid the pit. Repeat on the other side to remove the flesh from both halves, leaving the pit.
3. Place the mango halves skin side down on a cutting board. Use the tip of a knife to slice the flesh in each half down to the skin (without piercing the skin) in about ½ inch wide sections. Turn the mango 90 degrees and repeat, making a crosshatch pattern of cuts.
4. Slide a spoon between the skin and flesh to scoop out the mango cubes.
5. Carefully cut the remaining flesh off the pit and cube.

Mango Salsa

This mango salsa recipe blends the sweet flavor of the juicy fruit with the freshness of mint. In addition to great flavor, mango brings with it valuable fiber and antioxidants, including vitamin C, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient — meaning it's one your body needs to function properly but can’t make enough of on its own. According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin C is needed for everything from wound healing to heart health. That means not only can this low-calorie sauce add a zing to your favorite dishes, it can also be a boon to your health.

Serves 8 

Ingredients

• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 fresh mangos, diced
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 scallions, ends removed and sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• ¾ tsp kosher salt

Directions

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss to combine. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition per serving (½ cup): 56 calories, 0.4g total fat (0.1g saturated fat), 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, 1.7g fiber, 11.9g sugar (0g added sugar), 108mg sodium