The Art of Cutting Mangoes into Perfect Cubes

Learn how to cut mango cubes easily with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for smoothies, salads, and snacks, no mess, just juicy mango goodness! Cutting mangoes might seem like an easy, obvious task. Just grab a knife and dig in, right? But let’s be honest, if you've ever ended up with a mushy mess or struggled to get those picture-perfect cubes, you know there's more to it. Cutting mangoes is a simple art, and if you love a pretty presentation (whether for guests or just to impress yourself), then this guide is for you. Whether you’re prepping mangoes for a party platter or topping off your morning yogurt, beautifully cubed mango pieces are both practical and visually satisfying. Bonus? Mangoes are packed with Vitamin C, fiber, and all that sweet, juicy goodness that makes them impossible to resist.

First things first: choose the right mango.

For perfect cubes, your mango should be ripe yet firm. If it’s overripe, the fruit becomes too soft and mushy, making clean cuts nearly impossible. A mango that gives slightly to pressure but still holds its shape is ideal.

Prep your space.

Before you begin, sanitize your work area, utensils, and hands. A clean, sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board make all the difference.

The tried-and-true method for cubed mangoes:

1. Stand the mango upright on the cutting board.

2. Using the stem as your guide, slice off the "cheeks"—the two fleshy sides around the large pit in the center.

3. Take each cheek and score the flesh in a grid pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.

4. Now for the fun part: turn the cheek inside out, pushing the skin side up so the cubes pop out like a hedgehog’s back.

5. Run your knife along the base of the cubes to slice them off the skin cleanly.

6. For the remaining flesh around the pit, slice or scoop it off and enjoy it as a little chef’s snack!

Why this method?

This technique guarantees even-sized cubes, making your mango look as good as it tastes. Whether you’re making a fruit salad, mango salsa, parfait, smoothie, or even grilling mango for kebabs, uniform pieces just elevate the whole experience.

And the best part? This method works with any variety of mango, whether it’s the large golden-yellow ones or the smaller green-skinned types that are only in season for a few months a year.

So… have you tried this method?

What’s your go-to way of slicing a mango? Do you like your mangoes neatly cubed, thinly sliced, or do you prefer the wild and juicy chaos of biting into it straight from the skin? Let me know! I’d love to hear your favorite tips and mango tricks.

Here’s to clean cuts, juicy bites, and impressing guests, or yourself, with your mango mastery!

INGREDIENTS

1 Ripe mango
Sharp Knife

INSTRUCTIONS

Holding the mango with one hand, stand it on its end, stem side down. Using a sharp knife in your other hand, cut from the top of the mango, down one side of the pit making sure you do not cut through the pit. Then repeat with the other side and you will end up with three pieces two halves and the middle section that holds the pit. 

Take one of the fleshy mango half, using a knife to make lengthwise cuts across it. Be careful not to cut yourself.

Again in the same mango half make crosswise cuts in it trying not to cut through the peel

Invert the mango half so that the cut segments are sticking out like a hedgehog. You may be able to peel the segments out of the mango pieces with your fingers at this point. 

To get perfect cubed mango pieces, use a small spoon or small knife to cut away the pieces from the peel. Or even use a large spoon to detach the flesh from the skin and scoop out the cubes in one motion

Easy. Peasy. You do not have to waste any mango so, use a small pairing knife to cut around the pit. Place the slice on the cutting board then trim all the extra mango flesh around it.

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HOW TO CUT MANGO CUBES

by Mulunga Alukwe March-12-2018

Ingredients

• 1 Mango
• 1 Knife

Instructions

Holding the mango with one hand, stand it on its end, stem side down. Using a sharp knife in your other hand, cut from the top of the mango, down one side of the pit making sure you do not cut through the pit. Then repeat with the other side and you will end up with three pieces two halves and the middle section that holds the pit. Take one of the fleshy mango half, using a knife to make lengthwise cuts across it.Again in the same mango half make crosswise cuts in it trying not to cut through the peelInvert the mango half so that the cut segments are sticking out like a hedgehog. You may be able to peel the segments out of the mango pieces with your fingers at this point. To get perfect cubed mango pieces, use a small spoon or small knife to cut away the pieces from the peel. Or even use a large spoon to detach the flesh from the skin and scoop out the cubes in one motion

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 1 mins Total time: 10 mins Yield: 1 piece

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Mangoes: FAQs

Are mangoes good for you?
Yes! Mangoes are a powerhouse of nutrients including vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. They're excellent for boosting immunity, supporting eye health, and promoting digestion.

Do mangoes have a lot of sugar?
Mangoes contain natural sugars like fructose, which give them their sweet taste. While they are higher in sugar than some other fruits, they also provide fiber and vital nutrients, making them a healthy choice in moderation.

Can mangoes help with digestion?
Yes. Mangoes contain digestive enzymes like amylases that break down carbohydrates, along with fiber, which aids in smooth digestion and helps prevent constipation.

Are mangoes safe for diabetics?
In small amounts, mangoes can be enjoyed by people with diabetes, especially when paired with protein or healthy fats to balance blood sugar spikes. Portion control is key.

Can mangoes cause allergies?
Some people may be allergic to the skin or sap of mangoes due to a compound called urushiol (also found in poison ivy). If you have sensitive skin or a known allergy, handle with care or consume peeled fruit.

🧾 Printable Nutrition Card: Mangoes

Nutrition Table (Per 100g of Fresh Mango)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	60 kcal	Low-calorie fruit, great for snacking or adding to meals.
Carbohydrates	15 g	Mostly from natural sugars; provides quick energy.
Sugars (Natural)	13.7 g	Natural sweetness from fructose and glucose; no added sugar.
Fiber	1.6 g	Aids in digestion and supports gut health.
Protein	0.8 g	Minimal protein content; pair with yogurt, nuts, or seeds for balance.
Total Fat	0.4 g	Very low in fat, nearly negligible.
Vitamin C	36 mg (40% DV)	Strong immunity booster and antioxidant.
Vitamin A	54 µg (6% DV)	Supports vision and skin health.
Potassium	168 mg	Helps in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.
Water Content	~83%	Hydrating and refreshing fruit.

Dietary Information Table

Dietary Concern	Mangoes	Notes
Vegan	✅ Yes	100% plant-based.
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Suitable for all vegetarian diets.
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Naturally gluten-free.
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	No nut content unless mixed in recipes.
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no dairy unless combined with dairy in other dishes.
Low-Fat	✅ Yes	Naturally low in fat.
Low-Calorie	✅ In moderation	Great for calorie-conscious diets.
Diabetic-Friendly	⚠️ Yes, in small portions	Natural sugar may impact blood glucose—pair with protein or fiber.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.