The Best Way to Cut a Mango: Alton Brown’s Expert Tips

Mango, a tropical fruit, are a favorite among many people, thanks to their deliciously sweet taste and juicy texture. However, the tough outer skin and fibrous seed can make them quite a hassle to cut. Fortunately, the hilarious chef, Alton Brown has shared his expert tips on how to cut a mango effortlessly without injuring yourself.

Identify the Circles

The first step in cutting a mango, according to Alton Brown, is to identify the circles on each of the mangoes’ fleshy cheeks. These circles are about one inch in diameter and located on either side of the fruit. Once you locate these circles, you can move on to the next step.

Peel the Skin

After identifying the circles, the next step is to peel the mango’s skin. However, instead of peeling the entire fruit, you should leave the circles intact. This ensures that you have small areas to grip while cutting the mango.

Cut off the Bottom

Once the skin is peeled from the mango’s fleshy cheeks, the next step is to cut off a small portion of the bottom of the fruit. This will help you to stand the mangoes upright, allowing you to cut off the cheeks effortlessly.

Cut the Cheeks

Once the mangoes are standing upright, you can start cutting off the cheeks using a sharp knife. The cheeks are the largest areas of the fruit, and they provide most of the meat. Once you have cut off the cheeks, you can proceed to the final step.

Cube the Mangoes

Once the cheeks are cut off, you can proceed to cube the mangoes. Start by peeling off the small portion of skin left on the cheeks, then cut them on a grid system. This will give you beautiful, perfect cubes of mangoes that are ready to eat or use in any recipe.

Other Efficient Ways to Cut a Mango

While Alton Brown’s method is undoubtedly the most efficient way to cut a mango, there are other ways to cut a mango effectively. Here are a few other tips to help you cut a mango with ease:

1. Cut the Mango into Half

One of the easiest ways to cut a mango is to start by cutting it into half, just like you would with an avocado. Once the mango is cut in half, remove the seed using a spoon, and then cut each half into cubes.

2. Use a Mango Slicer

If you’re an avid mango lover, investing in a mango slicer might be a good idea. A mango slicer is a handy tool that allows you to cut a mango effortlessly in just a few seconds. All you need to do is place the mango on the slicer, and press down to get perfectly sliced mango pieces.

3. Peel the Mango with a Glass

If you struggle to peel the mango’s skin, here’s a nifty trick – use a glass! All you need to do is press the side of the glass against the mango’s skin, and then gently slide it down. This should peel off the skin quickly, leaving you with the fruit intact.

Final Thoughts

Mangoes are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed in various recipes. However, cutting them can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the right techniques. Alton Brown’s expert tips, as well as the other tips shared in this article, can help you cut a mango with ease, and without any injuries. Remember to use a sharp knife and be cautious when handling the slippery fruit to avoid accidents. Enjoy your cut mangoes in your favorite dish or simply as a refreshing snack!