The people have spoken. Last week, in my weekly addition to the How-To section, I demonstrated How to: Cut an Avocado. The comments were positive (thank you), but there seemed to be a quiet chant, gradually increasing in volume, from the readers. "Mango...MANGO...MANGO". As I said, the people were speaking, loud and clear. In an attempt to avoid a mob scene, I went to the store the next day to buy some mangoes.
And who could blame them?! They are fantastic in recipes such a grilled mahi mahi (with mango salsa), mango salsa with shrimp and a fresh mango fruit salad.
I used to have a heck of a time cutting mangoes. That darn flat pit baffled me and I often found myself staring at a pile of mangled mango slices, and I would then spend a frustratingly long time cutting the skin off of the fruit. That is, until I learned the hedgehog method.
How to do it:
Mangoes have flat-ish, oblong pits. If you look at the left-hand picture below, try to picture how the pit would lie in the fruit. Turn the mango the other way (center). You will be slicing off the left and right sides of the mango.
Sit the mango on its stem, hold firmly, and slice the left and right sides of the fruit away from the pit. These are known as the cheeks of the mango. Awww.
Working with one cheek at a time, make vertical cuts across the fruit (left), taking care to cut to the skin, but not through it. Repeat the cuts in the other direction (right).
This is the fun part. Place your thumbs on the outside of the fruit and push it inside out. It should look like a little hedgehog. Who knew the mango was such an adorable fruit?
With a paring knife, carefully cut between the skin and the fruit to cut off the cubes. Each mango yields approximately one cup of mango pieces.
Easier than you thought, right?
Of course, if you have a six-year old in the house that can't get enough of fresh fruit and veggies, hand those mango peels over to him to make sure none of that juice is wasted.
Recipe using mango:
Cookin' Canuck's Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango, Red Pepper & Lime Salsa
Cookin' Canuck's Mango & Lime Sorbet
Rasa Malaysia's Mango Lassi
Kalyn's Kitchen's Mango Salad with Black Beans, Avocado & Chili-Lime Vinaigrette
Smitten Kitchen's Mango Slaw with Cashews & Mint
Jenny Flake
I Love the way mangos look sliced like that! Gorgeous photos Dara, have a great day!
Maria
I love mangoes! Great tip!
Terri A.
I'll have to try this way. I usually peel my mango with a vegetable peeler and then slice the cheeks off and cut. I just got a couple of mangoes yesterday, so I'll have to try it.
Peggy
What a great tutorial! I remember eating mangoes all the time growing up and this was one of the first things my mother taught me how to do when I was a kid! Definitely the method to stick to! =)
Kristin
I too have a mango in the fruit bowl on the kitchen table awaiting its fate. The last one was a juicy frustrating mess, but I'm totally going to try this "hedgehog" method!
Thanks!
Belinda @zomppa
Have a couple mangoes right here...YUM!
ironchefman
In Thailand and SE Asia, fresh mangoes are the closest thing to a dessert, although they're not cut like this. They're usually skinned with a paring knife, then cut around the stone into two lobes (give the stone to the young ones as a treat). Either way, try serving them with sweet coconut milk and sticky rice - soooo good.
Also, if you have a real good fresh mango source, the skins are quite edible when ripe!
Joanne
I always peel my mangos first. It makes for a slippery challenge but works well for me. Very good post.
I picked up all the tropical fruits I could at the market yesterday.
Nothing beats fresh mango, pineapple, kiwi mixed up in a bowl. Delicious.
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
I'm ashamed to admit it but I am one of those people who have tried and failed with too many mangos. 🙁 You have given me the oomph to try again! ♥- K
Jamie
I remember my mom doing it this way! She used to call it porcupine and we would pop the squares right into our mouths. I think that may be why I love mango so much.
I'm looking forward to doing it for my kids this mango season. Thanks for reminding me!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Perfect, Jamie! I'm sure your kids will love mango as much as you did as a kid.