How to Eat a Mango The Easy Way (And Best Ways to Cut)
Mangoes, where sunshine meets sweet indulgence! If you’re wondering how to eat a mango the best way possible, you’ve come to the right place. This delightful tropical fruit that can be cut and prepared a number of ways as well as eaten in countless ways, let me show you how.
Table of Contents
Mango a Tropical Delight
Mangoes, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” are a delightful fruit that’s sweet, tender, juicy and has a tropical aroma to it. You could say that for a lot of people, mangos are love at first bite.
It’s one of my favorite fruits and it’s hugely popular in Mexican cuisine – though they didn’t originate in Mexico.
Mangoes are believed to have originated in South Asia, specifically from regions in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). They have a long history in these areas, dating back thousands of years.
Mangoes were not only enjoyed as a delicious fruit but also held cultural and religious significance in ancient Indian cuisine and society.
Over time, mango cultivation spread to other parts of the world through trade and exploration. Today, mangoes are grown in many countries with suitable tropical and subtropical climates.
Today Mexico is one of the World’s top producer of mangos and one local variety of Ataulfo mango is quite popular. This variety is yellow in color and the flesh of the mango is also a deep golden yellow color, it’s sometimes confused with the Indian alphonso mango but they’re a bit different from each other.
This popular an sweet fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways depending on the cuisine.
In Mexico we tend to eat them as a snack usually drizzled with lime juice, salt and chili powder. We also make mango agua fresca as well as use it in some desserts like ice cream.
Other ways fresh mango can be enjoyed is in fruit salads, puddings, pies, smoothies and refreshing mango juices.
Health Benefits of Mango
Not only are mangos incredibly delicious and refreshing on hot days, but they also offer some great health benefits as well.
Mango is rich in vitamins A and C which help boost your immune system; it also contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, sodium and selenium; plus fiber which helps keep digestion regular; and lastly antioxidants which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
In addition to being healthy for you physically, mangos are said to have psychological benefits too—they can help reduce anxiety levels and even improve your mood!
Eating Mangos Is Messy
Mangos are one of my most favorite fruit – like the only fruit you’ll never hear me say I’m tired of.
But something I never liked about mangos is that they can be messy when eating them.
Like what are you supposed to do, peel it and just start taking bites as you peel? Mango juice will start running down your fingers and mouth in no time, you’d have to practically hang over the kitchen sink to enjoy your mango.
Ugh, and let’s not forget to mention that mangos are slippery. I’ve had many that have slipped out of my hand and onto the ground. So sad!
So because of that mess, I started instead peeling my mangos, then slicing and using a fork to eat them. Or the other method is to do the Mexican mango flowers method.
The peeling process does prevents the juices running down your hands but it involves a bit of a clean up afterwards. The mango flowers is fun and easy but can cause mango juices down your hands.
So amigos, with the main method that I’m sharing today this solves both of the problems mentioned above. This how to eat a mango guide will transform your life!
Make sure you keep readying after this first tip where I’ll show you the other best ways to cut a mango.
How to Select the Perfect Mango
Before we delve into the art of eating a mango, it’s essential to choose the right one. Here are some tips to help you pick the best mango:
- Different Varieties: Mangoes come in various types, such as Alphonso, Ataulfo, and Kent to name a few. Each has its unique flavor profile and ripening process. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite. Remembering that they may each have different seasons depending on the types of mango available locally to you in the United States.
- Ripeness: Look for a mango that yields slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. It should have a sweet aroma at the stem end and feel plump. As with all ripe fruits, raw mangoes should smell like a mango.
- Color: While the color of a mango may vary depending on the type, avoid very hard green mangoes as they are usually unripe – unless you’re making a Thai mango salad that uses green unripe mangoes.
- Temperature: I personally like to refrigerate my mangos once they’re ripe. At the start of summer when mango season is in full swing here I buy large amounts and keep them refrigerated because I feel the sweet taste is intensified by the cooler temperature.
How to Eat a Mango The Easy Way
I’m sure you’ve seen this mango peeling method going around the internet the last few years. I actually saw it on Instagram a few years ago and since then have been eating mangos like this, I call it the lazy easy way to eat a mango.
You’re going to love it, it’s also super fun for young kids. Ok let me share this great tip on how to eat a mango the easy way. Make sure to watch the video, and your life will be transformed!
What you’ll need:
- Fresh Mango: any type of mango will work. If you’re sensitive to cold temperatures then use mango at room temperature so you can hold on to it better.
- Paring knife or sharp knife
- A spoon
- A cutting board, is helpful but not necessary for this first method
Step 1: Thoroughly rinse and dry your mango. Begin by firmly holding on to the thicker bottom end of the mango. Then using your paring knife make a horizontal incision and go all the way down until you feel the flat seed. Work the knife all the way around until you’ve reached the starting incision.
Step 2: Set the knife aside then using your other hands firmly place one hand on each end of the cut. The bottom hand holds the mango in place. With the top hand begin to twist until you can feel it releasing from the seed.
You can now then separate the two halves. The bottom will have the seed and the top will be hollowed out where the seed was.
Step 3: Now you can use a spoon to scoop out the fruit from the hollowed out piece. It’s so much fun and feels like a little cup of mango.
Step 4: To eat the fruit off of the seed you can use the knife to slice it off. Or if you’d like you can just bite off the mango flesh from the seed if you like. The latter is messier though.
Step 5: Once you’ve eaten or removed the fruit form the seed you can either twist it out of the bottom piece. Or you can again use a spoon to scoop out the mango flesh from this piece.
Step 6: Continue to eat it all or you could also scoop it out onto a plate if you’d like.
Enjoy! : That’s it, that’s how to eat a mango in an easy and cleaner way! This is actually so much fun and if you have small kids you can slice the fruit this way then give them a spoon and let them go to town on the mango. Bonus for your they won’t get as messy as before!
The mango I used in the instructions and video is called Ataulfo mango here in Mexico, and in the US it’s known as champagne variety.
However, I’ve tested this method with every kind of mango variety we have locally. It works on all types of mangos. Varieties that are more fibrous also work they just need a bit more force when twisting off.
Best Ways to Cut Mango
So I’ve shown you my favorite way – in my book it’s the easiest way to eat a mango, now let me show you how to cut mango some other different ways. You can review all the easy ways I’ve shared and decide which method is your favorite.
What you’ll need:
- fresh mango: any type of mango you’d like.
- sharp knife
- large spoon
- cutting board or flat surface
How to Cut a Mango: Knife Method
Step 1: Place the mango on the flat surface with the wider sides facing towards the sides. Now make vertical cuts down the middle section of the mango. The placement of the mango seed is different in each different type of mango. With practice you’ll be able to better aim the slices right on the sides of the pit or right in the middle of the mango. You’ll end up with two mango halves and the mango seed.
Note: If you’d rather take the super easy way you could always skip the knife and use one of those mango splitters. These gadgets slice right down the middle an separate the mango flesh from the side of the pit.
Step 2: Peel away the mango skin off the mango that’s left around the seed. Then use your knife to slice off any mango flesh left on the seeds.
Step 3: Hold one mango half in your palm. Then use a pairing knife to cut vertical lines about 1/2 inch apart or so, then cut horizontally 1/2 inch apart to create mango cubes. Be careful not to cut past the skin of the mango and catch your hand. You can then use a spoon or a knife to slice off or scoop out the mango chunks away from the mango peels.
How to Cut a Mango: Drinking Glass Method
For this mango cutting method repeat step 1 from the knife method above and remain with the two mango halves.
If you’d like a visual guide please watch my previous video.
Grab a drinking glass then take one mango half and push the rim of the glass between the edge of the mango peel and the mango flesh.
Slowly work the glass through the mango half until you’ve separated the mango pulp from the skin.
Repeat with the other half. Then you can eat as so or slice and chop however you’d like.
How to Cut a Mango: Vegetable Peeler Method
For this method you simple use a vegetable peeler to remove the mango skin. Then you can use a knife to cut mango slices as desired – or push a wooden skewer through the seed and make Mexican mango on a stick.
How to Eat Mango
Now that you have beautifully cut your mangos, it’s time to explore different ways to enjoy this sweet treat fruit:
- Mexican Mango on a Stick (Mango Flower): This is a good mango snack popular all over Mexico. The mango is skewered on a wood skewer then it’s sliced all the way to the top of the mango to form what looks like petals of a flower.
- Mango Slices: Simply slice the mango flesh into thin strips and enjoy them as a quick and healthy snack. Or you can give it a Mexican touch and sprinkle some Tajin seasoning over the mango. The spicy-sweet taste and juicy texture are unbeatable.
- Mango Salsa: Toss mango cubes with red onions, orange chunks, fresh jalapeno, cilantro, and squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice for a zesty mango salsa. It’s a great addition to your summer gatherings.
- Mango Salad: Combine mango with other fruits to created a delicious fresh fruit salad.
- Mangonadas aka Mexican Mango Smoothie: Blend mango chunks with mango nectar, ice cubes, a splash of lime juice, and a drizzled with Tajin and chamoy sauce for a refreshing drink on a hot day.
- Mango Ice Cream: Blend fresh mango with Mexican crema to create a decadent Mexican mango ice cream without the need of an ice cream maker!
- Mango Paletas: Blend mango with coconut cream and other ingredients to make creamy vegan mango paletas.
- Sorbet: Freeze mango cubes and blend them until smooth. You’ll have a delightful mango sorbet that’s 100% natural and vegan.
- Mango Margarita with Chamoy: Blend mango with tequila then drizzle with chamoy sauce to make a cocktail worth toasting to.
How to Store Mango
If you find yourself with leftover mango or want to prepare them for future use, here’s how to store them properly:
- Airtight Container: Place the mango cubes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also place in freezer safe bags and freeze for later use. This is a great choice when the grocery stores put mangos on sale and you want to take advantage.
- Mango Pulp: You can also puree mango flesh and freeze it in ice cube trays. This way, you’ll have mango pulp ready for smoothies or other mango recipes whenever you want.
FAQs About Mangoes
Let’s address some common questions about mangos:
Can you eat the skin of a mango?
While the skin of a mango is technically edible, it’s not commonly consumed. Most people prefer to enjoy the sweet, juicy flesh and discard the skin.
What’s the best way to ripen mangoes quickly?
To speed up the ripening process, place unripe mangoes in a paper bag and leave them at room temperature. The ethylene gas they produce will help ripen them faster.
Are mangoes good for you?
Absolutely! Mangoes are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and fights free radicals.
How to Eat a Mango
In conclusion, mangoes are a tropical delight that can be enjoyed in numerous ways, whether you prefer them as a healthy snack, in a fruit salad, in a mangonada or as a refreshing mango agua fresca. Selecting the right mango, preparing it correctly, and exploring creative recipes are the keys to unlocking the full potential of this delicious fruit.
So, the next time you spot a ripe mango at your local grocery store, grab it and embark on a culinary adventure filled with the tropical aroma and sweet treats of this amazing fruit. Enjoy!
Buen provecho amigos! If you try this method make sure you tag me on social media @MexicanMadeMeatless
How to Eat a Mango The Easy Way
Equipment
- paring knife
- spoon
- cutting board
Ingredients
- Mango as many as desired
Instructions
- Begin by either firmly holding on to the thicker bottom end of the mango. Then using your paring knife make a horizontal incision and go all the way down until you feel the seed. Work the knife all the way around until you’ve reached the starting incision. Set the knife aside then using your other hands firmly place one hand on each end of the cut. The bottom hand holds the mango in place. With the top hand begin to twist until you can feel it releasing from the seed. You can now then separate the two halves. The bottom will have the seed and the top will be hollowed out where the seed was.
- Now you can use a spoon to scoop out the fruit from the hollowed-out piece. It’s so much fun and feels like a little cup of mango. To eat the fruit off of the seed you can use the knife to slice it off. Or if you’d like you can just bite off the mango flesh from the seed if you like. The latter is messier though. Once you’ve eaten or removed the fruit form the seed you can either twist it out of the bottom piece. Or you can again use a spoon to scoop out the mango flesh from this piece. Continue to eat it all or you could also scoop it out onto a plate if you’d like.
- That’s it, that’s how to eat a mango in an easy and cleaner way! This is actually so much fun and if you have small kids you can slice the fruit this way then give them a spoon and let them go to town on the mango. Bonus for your they won’t get as messy as before!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nancy Lopez is a food blogger and author of the cookbook Mexican Tamales Made Meatless. Born in Mexico, raised in the US, and currently living in Southern Mexico, she has followed a meatless diet for almost 10 years. It is her passion and mission to share all she has learned about vegan Mexican cooking and vegetarian Mexican recipes. Mexican Made Meatless is a blog dedicated to preserving the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine just without the meat. It’s a place to celebrate Mexican culture and all it’s delightfully delicious traditional foods. Read more…
Wow, that is totally different from the way my dad used to cut them for us,I will definitely give this a try. Thanks for sharing
So many different ways to cut it, this is a fun way. Thank you!