The mango is one of my favorite fruits, but figuring out how to cut out the goodness from its odd shape takes skill. So, when I spent time in the Philippines, I got a great tutorial from some street vendors who not only cut the mango well, but fast!

In fact, their mango cuts look like works of art. My protegees were all too thrilled to help teach the American girl how to “cutta mango!”

 

 

 

 

 

Step 1 – Hold the mango on-end with the smaller end up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2 – There is a large flat seed the same shape and size in the middle of the mango. Slice down one side of the seed.Half of the mango will fall. Slice down the other side of the seed to collect the other half. You can cut slivers of mango from the edges of what is left on the seed.

 

 

 

 

Step 3 – Slice a criss-cross pattern into each half of the mango so you create sections of squares.

 

 

 

Step 4 – Turn the cut halves inside out and slice off squares into a bowl, or just eat the squares straight off the peel (that’s what the natives do!!)

I like to freeze the mango pieces and use them in smoothies or to add a tropical flare to fruit salad. Enjoy!!