How To Cut A Mango
Explore the Many Ways to Cut a Mango
There are several ways to cut a mango. To ensure you get every delicious bite — whether you’re using them in mango recipes or just popping pieces into your mouth — you’ll want to check out the helpful video and step-by-step directions with pictures below. They’re your go-to “how to cut a mango” hacks.
Easy Ways to Peel and Cut a Mango
Quick Answer
A mango has one long, flat seed in the center of the fruit. Once you learn how to work around the seed, the rest is easy. To cut a mango, stand it upright and slice down each side about ¼ inch from the center to clear the long, flat seed. You’ll get two halves called cheeks. From there, you can scoop the flesh out with a spoon, cut it into cubes, and push the skin upward (the hedgehog method) or slice it into strips.
Cutting safety tips
Always use a clean knife and cutting board to cut a mango. Sanitize your hands, work area, utensils and cutting board before handling or cutting any fruits or vegetables, especially if you’ve handled any type of meat or seafood, and always wash mango before cutting.
How to Cut a Mango into Slices
1. Slice each side just past the seed, about ¼ inch from the center.
2. Slice flesh without breaking the skin.
3. Scoop out slices with a large spoon and enjoy!
HOW TO CUT A MANGO USING A MANGO SPLITTER
1. Stand the mango on your cutting board, stem-end down, and hold. Center the Mango Splitter above the mango, with the opening in the splitter aligned with the widest part of the mango.
2. Firmly push down to separate the mango flesh from the seed.
3. Use the “Slice and Scoop” or the “Inside Out” methods shown above to separate the mango flesh from the skin in cubes or slices.
VARIOUS WAYS TO PEEL A MANGO
The mango splitter can be purchased at stores that sell kitchen accessories or online at Amazon or Chef’s Resource.
Check out our blog to learn more about how to cut a mango.
There’s no wrong way to peel a mango. Here are some other methods:
1. With a large spoon — this works well for a fully ripe mango
2. With a peeler — this works best for firmer mangos that are unripe or just about ripe.
3. With a knife — this works best for firmer mangos that are unripe or medium ripe and require extra care when handling.
How to Cut a Mango Using the Hedgehog Method
The hedgehog cut (or “inside-out” method) is the most popular way to cut a mango. It’s easy, fun, and great for snacking straight from the skin. Enjoy as is, or scoop out the cubes with a spoon.
Stand the mango upright.
Slice down one side about ¼ inch from the center, just clearing the seed.
Repeat on the other side. You’ll have two cheeks and a center piece.
Hold cheek skin-side down. Score (slice) the flesh in a crosshatch pattern, without cutting through the skin.
Grab the cheek with both hands.
Push the center of the skin upward to fan the cubes outward.
How to Cut a Mango Using Twist and Pull Method
No scoring or crosshatch required. This Twist and Pull works best with a ripe mango that has a little give.
Hold the mango on its side and cut straight through the middle, right around the center seed, separating it into two halves.
Grip both halves firmly, one in each hand.
Twist each half in opposite directions.
Pull apart the two halves.
Mango Cutting Tips
- Refrigerate it first. Chilled mango holds its shape better when cutting.
- Cut mango before peeling, not after. It’s easier, safer, and wastes less fruit.
- After cutting freeze in two-stages. Spread diced cubes on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bag and return to freezer. Preserves as pieces instead of one frozen brick.
Common Mango Cutting Questions
How do I know where the seed is before I cut?
The mango seed is flat and runs lengthwise through the center of the mango in the same direction as the stem. To avoid the seed, stand the mango upright and slice down each side about ¼ inch from the center, and you’ll clear the seed cleanly.
Can I cut mango with a glass?
The glass method (where you press the lip of a drinking glass between the mango flesh and skin to separate them) has become popular online as a mango cutting “hack,” but it carries real safety risks. The glass can shatter under pressure, and wet fruit makes for a slippery grip. It’s not a method we recommend.
What kind of knife do I need to cut a mango?
A larger knife, like an 8-inch Chef’s knife, works best for slicing the cheeks off the seed, while a smaller paring knife gives you more control when making shallow cuts or slits into the flesh, such as for the hedgehog method. The most important thing is that it’s sharp. A dull knife requires more pressure and is more likely to slip.
How long does cut mango last?
Cut mango keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, mango frozen in a sealed freezer bag will keep for up to six months.
FRESH CUT AT RETAIL
From spears to cheeks to spirals, there are several ways to enjoy fresh-cut mango from your retailer of choice.
Some available options are:
- Mango Spears
- Mango Cheeks
- Mixed with Other Fruit
- Mango Spirals/Noodles
- Salsas
You can usually find these options in the produce section of your store. To see if your local retailer has these options available, please visit here.