How to Eat Mango 11 Delicious Ways

You can't go wrong with mango. It's equal parts sweet, succulent, and creamy, making it a delightfully tasty treat. Mangoes are especially popular in smoothies, but this isn't your only option for enjoying them. This favorite tropical fruit can be used in a variety of dishes, from condiments and drinks to desserts and entrées. We asked experts for (delicious) tips on how to eat mangoes, plus how to buy and store the fruit before you eat it.

How to Tell When a Mango Is Ripe

You want to eat ripe mangoes. When buying mango at the supermarket, focus on smell and texture. A ripe mango will have a sweet, fruity smell near their stems, per the experts at the National Mango Board. It should also have some give when you gently squeeze it. If a mango is very firm, it means it's unripe; you can eat it at this stage, though it will be quite tart.  

You can also consider the color of the peel, but keep in mind that different varieties come in different colors. For example, some mangoes (like the Totapuri mango from India) are still green when ripe, says Nik Sharma, recipe developer and the author of several cookbooks, including Veg-Table and Indian at Home. Meanwhile, most mangoes in grocery stores in the U.S. are the Tommy Atkins mango, which has a dark red with green and yellow-orange areas when ripe.

How to Cut Mango

To cut a mango, slice off one end and stand it upright on a cutting board. Cut off the two thick sides, or "cheeks" by slicing from top to bottom. Slice a crosshatch pattern in each cheek, taking care to avoid cutting through the skin. You can then scoop out the flesh with a spoon and further separate the cubes with a knife. Next, place the pit flat on the cutting board and cut the two sides to make wedges. Slice away the peel, then dice the flesh.

What Mango Tastes Like

Generally, mango boasts a mellow, vanilla-like sweetness. This makes it ideal for balancing more
intense flavors (think sour, salty, and spicy). In terms of texture, the fruit has a juicy and velvety consistency that pairs well with other creamy ingredients. It also offers a delightful contrast to crunchy foods, such as nuts.

How to Eat Mango

There are myriad ways to enjoy mango, here are our favorites.

Eat It Fresh With Spices

For a quick and refreshing snack, serve mango wedges or cubes with a sprinkle of spices. Try it with chili powder, salt, saffron, or cardamom, all of which bring out the flavor of mango, says Sharma.

Serve It With Meat

Round out your next meat dish with mango. The fruit works well with seafood, pork, chicken, lamb, and beef, according to Sharma. For example, serve mango salsa with grilled pork tacos or as a side dish for breaded coconut shrimp.

Use It With Seafood

For a no-cook option, add mango to ceviche for a tropical twist, as suggested by Olivia Roszkowski, chef instructor of plant-based culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.

Pair It With a Starch

Mango is a delicious partner for starch, sayss Roszkowski. The succulent texture of mango contrasts beautifully with starches. For example, whip up a spicy mango mayonnaise for fries, says Roszkowski. If you're craving something heartier, pair fresh mango with coconut sticky rice.

Add It to Salsa or Guacamole

Give your salsa or guacamole an upgrade with diced mango. Both condiments will instantly liven up tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, and salads.

Toss It in a Fruit Salad

Add a tropical touch to your next fruit salad with mango. It pairs well with fruit that's tart and slightly firmer, as this will balance the sweetness and softness of mango, says Roszkowski. "Try pairing mango with pineapple, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or pomegranate seeds," says Roszkowski. For even more flavor, add fresh mint or a splash of lime or ginger juice, she says.

Use It as a Topping

Diced mango makes a great topping for pancakes, French toast, waffles, oatmeal, or acai bowls, says Roszkowski. You can also layer mango with yogurt for a beautiful parfait.

Add It to Baked Goods

"Try adding mango puree to cake batters, muffins, cupcakes, or quick breads," says Roszkowski. This works especially well in baked goods with coconut, as the pairing will create a tropical-inspired flavor, she adds. Note you may need to reduce other liquids in the recipe to avoid an overly moist baked good.

Turn It Into Sauce

For a unique way to eat mango, make a mango sauce or dressing. Need inspiration? Add mango puree to your go-to barbecue sauce or vinaigrette, or blend the fruit with fresh chilies, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and sea salt for a quick hot sauce, as suggested by Roszkowski. "Serve [the hot sauce] with breakfast burritos, avocado toast, or on top of fried rice," she says.

Blend It Into Drinks

A traditional drink in India, mango lassi is a popular preparation for the fruit. Simply blend mango with plain yogurt (or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version), says Roszkowski. You can also add mango to margaritas or smoothies, where it will provide natural sweetness and color.

Make a Frozen Dessert

To make a refreshing mango sorbet, simply puree frozen mango, sweetener, and lemon juice in a food processor. If you prefer an icier treat, make our mango-lime granita.