When I’m at home, not intending to share, and not trying to be particularly cute, I tear into mangoes the fastest way I can, and get about the business of eating it. Sometimes, though, it’s necessary to have mess-free mango cubes, like when eating on the go or preparing a dish with mangos as an ingredient.
To quickly chop a mango:
- Slice the fruit on both sides of the large seed, trying not to get the really fibrous parts.
- Score each section vertically and horizontally with a sharp knife.
- Press the skin side inwards so the scored fruit stands out.
- Slide a knife between the fruit and skin, and voila! Neat mango cubes.
I found this tip from, of all places, an episode of House Hunters International on HGTV. A couple was preparing lunch while talking about their big plans to move to I-can’t-remember-where, and the woman nonchalantly slices into an avocado pit (with the biggest knife ever, I might add). At first I was like, “What is she doing”; then, when she lifts the knife with the pit stuck to it, I was like, “WHAT!” No more avocado-y fingers and jacked up looking slices from twisting, scooping, or otherwise (ineffectively) coercing the pit out.
Here’s how it goes:
- Cut avocado in half lengthwise.
- Carefully saw into the pit a bit with a sharp knife.
- Use the knife to twist the pit gently, and remove.
- Slide a spoon around the inside edge of each half, and scoop out the fruit in one large piece.
- Place the scooped piece upside down on a plate or cutting board, and slice or chop.
Check out some of the health benefits of eating avocados here.
I usually eat mangos plain as a snack and add avocados to omelets, but I’d love to have some other options. What are your favorite ways to eat or prepare mangos and avocados?
I use smooshed up avocado plain as a sandwich spread instead of mayo, mustard, etc. Goes really really well with turkey!
I love this idea! Thank you! I just bought a bunch of avocados, and since they all seem to ripen at the same time, this tip is just perfect.
J&S
Funny thing is I think I remember the episode of House Hunters that you are referring to – I’m addicted to that show. Thanks for the chopping tips Missy. Mangoes and Avocados happen to be two of my favorite things so this was helpful.
Jillian
NuSophisticate.com
Thanks for stopping by, Jillian! My fave House Hunters episodes are the ones set in Paris (*swoon*).
J&S