How to Eat a Mango and Tips to Choose a Ripe One at the Store

Before you enjoy your mango, you need to know how to prepare it properly. Mangoes have a large flat seed in the middle, so cutting them can be confusing if you’ve never done it before. Follow these simple steps to make it easy.

Step 1: Wash the Mango

Rinse the mango under clean running water. Gently rub the skin with your hands to remove any dirt or residue. Dry it with a towel.

Step 2: Stand the Mango Upright

Place the mango on a cutting board with the stem facing up. Hold it firmly so it doesn’t slip while cutting.

Step 3: Cut Along the Pit

The pit is flat and located in the center. Slice about half an inch from the middle on one side, then repeat on the other side. You should have two large pieces, known as the mango cheeks.

Step 4: Score the Flesh

Take one mango cheek and use a knife to cut lines in a crisscross pattern. Be careful not to cut through the skin.

Step 5: Turn the Mango Inside Out

Push the skin from the bottom to flip the cubes outward. This makes it easy to eat or cut the cubes off with a knife.

Step 6: Cut Around the Pit

Don’t forget the sides around the pit. You can slice off any remaining flesh and enjoy it, too.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Mango

Eat the mango cubes fresh, or add them to salads, smoothies, or desserts for extra flavor.

Choosing a ripe mango can make a big difference in taste and texture. Here are some helpful tips to find the perfect one when shopping.

1. Check the Color: A ripe mango usually has a mix of red, yellow, and orange colors. However, the color can vary by variety, so don’t rely on it alone.

2. Gently Squeeze It: A ripe mango feels slightly soft when you press it gently. If it’s too hard, it’s still unripe.

3. Smell the Stem End: Ripe mangoes have a sweet, fruity smell near the stem area. If there’s no aroma, it might not be ready yet.

4. Avoid Wrinkled Skin: Choose mangoes with smooth, firm skin. Wrinkled skin means it’s overripe or starting to dry out.

5. Look for Minor Blemishes: Small spots are normal, but avoid mangoes with large dark patches or soft areas.

What if you have an unripe mango in your hand? It's pretty common for us to accidentally pick unripe mangoes at the store. Or, some people choose to get unripe ones so they can stay much longer in your kitchen. And if you have one, you shouldn't be worried, because there are ways to ripen your mango at home.

If you are not in a hurry, you can just put the unripe mango at room temperature on the counter and let time do its magic. But if you want it faster, you can grab a paper bag and put your mango inside it. Or, you can also wrap the fruit in newspaper. Put it on the counter, and it will make the ripening process faster. The mango will release an odorless gas called ethylene that will speed up the process. The fruit will be fully ripe in one or two days, but check it every day to avoid overripening.

If you are using the paper bag method, there are two helpful tips from WikiHow. First, you have to make sure not to completely close the paper bag, so there's a way for the air and gas to escape. This will help you prevent mold and mildew from forming. Second, you can add an apple or a banana to the bag. Those two fruits also release ethylene, and will help to speed up the ripening process even more.

Many people wonder what’s the best way to keep their mangoes fresh. Whether they are whole or already cut, proper storage helps maintain their flavor and texture for longer.

If your mango is already ripe, the best thing you can do is to put it in the refrigerator. It will help to slow down the ripening process, so the fruit can stay fresh longer. They can last up to five days when stored in the fridge.

For cut mango, store the pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate them. Make sure to eat them within three days for the best taste. You can also freeze mango chunks for smoothies or desserts later. To do this, place the pieces on a tray first, freeze them for a few hours, then move them to a freezer bag.

Mangoes are not only delicious on their own but also versatile in many dishes. Here are some fun and tasty ways to enjoy them.

1. Mango Smoothie: Blend mango pieces with milk or yogurt for a refreshing drink.

2. Mango Salad: Add mango cubes to green salad for a sweet and juicy twist.

3. Mango Salsa: Mix diced mango with tomatoes, onions, lime juice, and cilantro for a fresh salsa.

4. Mango Ice Cream: Puree ripe mangoes and mix with cream and sugar before freezing.

5. Mango Sticky Rice: Pair sweet mango slices with sticky rice and coconut milk for a popular Thai dessert.

6. Mango Parfait: Layer mango cubes with yogurt and granola for a quick breakfast.

7. Mango Pancakes: Add chopped mango to your pancake batter for extra sweetness.

8. Mango Lassi: Blend mango with yogurt, milk, and a bit of sugar for a classic Indian drink.

9. Mango Popsicles: Puree mango with a bit of honey and freeze in molds for a cold treat.

10. Mango Sorbet: Blend mango with a little lemon juice and freeze for a light dessert.

11. Mango Chutney: Cook mango with vinegar, sugar, and spices to make a flavorful chutney.

12. Mango Oatmeal: Top your morning oatmeal with fresh mango slices for a tropical touch.

13. Mango Tart: Use mango slices to decorate a cream tart for a colorful dessert.

14. Mango Smoothie Bowl: Blend mango with banana and top it with nuts, seeds, and fruit.

15. Mango Yogurt Dip: Mix mango puree with yogurt for a tasty dip for fruit or crackers.

With all these methods, you can enjoy mangoes in so many delicious ways. Now that you know how to eat a mango, pick a ripe one and start exploring your favorite style!