Mango seeds shouldn’t be eaten raw like the flesh, but they can be used in meal prep or prepared as a standalone snack. Due to the hard nature of the seeds, though, they may cause tooth damage/ache if you bite into them or clog your throat if you swallow them.
In the rest of this guide, I go over how to eat mango seeds, when you can eat them, and everything else you need to know.
Is It Safe to Eat the Seed of a Mango?
Mango seeds are safe to eat in different ways, provided you don’t sink your teeth into them like you do the flesh. Otherwise, the mango seeds could impact your teeth and cause toothache.
Fortunately, the toothache usually subsides on its own but causes you severe discomfort for the time being.
Furthermore, it’s best to eat the seed of an unripe mango since that’s softer, sweeter, and edible. Ripe mangoes are known for harder and bitter kernels, which makes them less desirable.
Also, you can eat mango seeds in a variety of ways. I’ve discussed some below.
Good Read: How Long Does Cut Mango Last in the Fridge?
5 Ways to Eat Mango Seeds
You can eat mango seeds by making them into flour to bake bread, frying the mango seed kernel, using it in sauces, or trying other approaches.
Here’s a brief overview of how to eat mango seeds safely:
Method #1 – Make Flour
There isn’t a shortage of items to make bread flour from. The steps below provide an overview of getting flour from the mango seed.
- Separate mango seed from the flesh.
- Wash and dry the seed.
- Grind the mango seed into a fine flour powder.
- Choose and follow a desired recipe to make bread.
Method #2 – Simmer in Sauces
Some sauces thrive with the mango flavor. When making the Mexican mole sauce, for example, soaking a mango seed in it is okay.
Look for a preferred sauce recipe that applies the mango seeds here.
Method #3 – Infuse Drinks
You can infuse mango seeds into drinks. Thus, you get the characteristic fruity mango flavor without having it take over the drink.
Also, you can infuse ordinary water if you’re not a fan of drinks or prefer that.
Follow the steps below to get started:
- Clean the mango seed after separating from the flesh.
- Choose your drink (vodka or water is preferred) and pour it into an airtight container.
- Add the mango seed to the drink.
- Cover the container and let the drink sit for 24 hours.
- Remove the mango seed after 24 hours and taste the drink.
Note: You can let the drink sit in a refrigerator for those 24 hours. However, ensure it’s not in the freezer section so it stays liquid and can extract as much juice from the mango seed.
Method #4 – Frying the Kernel
One of the most exciting ways to eat a mango seed I’ve seen is the kernel-frying method. The steps are detailed in this video.
Method #5 – Post-Meal Mouth Freshener
A mango seed-eating method was used as a post-meal mouth freshener in India. Here’s how:
- Break the hard covering of the mango seed.
- Boil the seed embryo inside the mango seed.
- Chop the boiled embryo into smaller parts.
- Spread in the sun until thoroughly dried.
- Roast the dried embryo with clarified butter. Add salt and dried mango powder.
- Optional: You can add carom powder, black pepper powder, or other preferred condiments.
- It’s ready to go.
What Are the Benefits of Eating Mango Seeds?
There are no scientifically proven benefits to mango seeds yet. However, some unverified claims reference
- Improved cardiovascular health.
- Better hair growth.
- Diarrhea control.
- Anti-aging (due to antioxidants).
- Healthy living.
There’s no substantial proof to back up these claims, but if there’s any inclination that they may be correct, it’s worth trying.
But then, again, you can get these benefits from the mango fruit and other fruits. So, you might not need to get on the mango seed-eating train.
Do You Remove the Seed From a Mango Before Eating It?
You can eat a mango without removing or separating the seed from the flesh. It comes down to personal preference to cut the flesh out to eat it neatly or consume the edible flesh with the seed in the middle.
So, Should You Eat Mango Seeds?
This is open to personal choices and a decision you’ll have to make.
Left to me, I’ve been a sweet tooth for as long as I can remember and won’t eat anything remotely close to being bitter, like the mango seed.
If you’ve eaten a mango seed before or have another recipe for eating one, you can let me know in the comments.
