I have a great affinity for champagne mangoes! They are extremely luscious and succulent, and they are an ideal snack or addition to any fruit salad. However, if you are not familiar with the correct method, cutting them can be a little challenging. That is why I am here to impart my personal pointers and techniques on how to cut a champagne mango.
Step 1: Choosing the Perfect Mango
Before we dive into the cutting process, it’s important to choose a ripe champagne mango. Look for mangoes that have a slightly soft texture when gently squeezed. Avoid mangoes that are too firm or wrinkled. The skin of a ripe champagne mango should be a vibrant yellow color with no green tinges.
Step 2: Preparing Your Tools
To cut a champagne mango, you’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Make sure your knife is clean and sharp for smooth and precise cuts. I prefer using a paring knife because it allows me to maneuver around the mango easily.
Step 3: Cutting the Mango
Start by holding the mango vertically on your cutting board. Position the mango so that the stem end is facing upward. The stem end is the narrower part of the mango.
Next, locate the long, flat seed inside the mango. Using your knife, make a straight cut about half an inch away from the center of the stem end, following the curve of the seed. You should feel the knife hit the seed.
Repeat the same process on the other side of the seed, creating two mango halves. You can now set aside the seed for later use, or discard it if you don’t plan on using it.
Step 4: Carving the Flesh
Take one mango half and hold it in your hand with the skin facing upward. Using your knife, make vertical and horizontal cuts through the flesh, without piercing the skin. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you want to create a checkerboard pattern without slicing through the skin.
Once you’ve made the cuts, invert the mango half by gently pushing on the skin from the bottom. The cut flesh should pop out, resembling small squares or cubes.
Repeat the same process with the other mango half, and you’ll have perfectly cut champagne mango cubes ready to be enjoyed.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Now that you’ve mastered the art of cutting a champagne mango, it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation. You can eat the mango cubes as is, or add them to a fruit salad, smoothie, or dessert. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Cutting a champagne mango may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and the right technique, it becomes a breeze. Remember to choose a ripe mango, use a sharp knife, and follow the steps carefully. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying juicy and sweet champagne mango cubes like a pro. Happy slicing!
