It's summertime, which means grilling out, picnics, and enjoying all the delicious fruits and vegetables with the season. One of our favorites is pineapple – it's sweet, juicy, and perfect for slicing up and adding to a fruit salad or kebab.
But cutting a whole pineapple can be tricky if you're not used to it – so today, we're going to show you how to cut a pineapple like a pro! Keep reading for our step-by-step guide.
Learn how to cut a pineapple with these step-by-step instructions, pictures, and video! Watch the video showing you just how easy it is. Great for parties, snacks, or adding fresh fruit to your meal.
What you'll need
- A fresh ripe pineapple
- A large cutting board
- A sharp chef’s knife
- A small paring knife
How To Cut A Pineapple Step-by-Step
Just 8 simple steps for perfectly cut pineapple.
Step 1
Cut off the top.
Make sure that you have a very sharp knife. Lay the pineapple on its side and cut off the top of the pineapple.
Some sources recommend setting the pineapple upside down on the cut end and letting it rest for 30 minutes. I usually just move on to the next step.
Step 2
Cut off the bottom.
Spin the pineapple around and cut off the bottom of the pineapple.
Step 3
Cut off the skin.
Set the pineapple on one of the cut ends and slice off the sides. The trick here is to slide the blade along the natural curve of the fruit and cut deep enough to remove the majority of the thick skin and the eyes (the brown spikey spots) but not so deep that you cut off too much of the juicy fruit.
Use a sharp pairing knife to remove any remaining eyes that seem like they might be too tough.
Step 4
Cut in half.
With the pineapple standing on the flat end, cut it in half.
Step 5
Cut in half again.
Cut each half of the pineapple in half again lengthwise.
Step 6
Cut out the tough core at an angle.
There are times that I leave the core intact. For instance, if you are using the pineapple as a cocktail garnish.
Step 7
Slice lengthwise into spears. From here, you can cut the pineapple into chunks. Slice into chunks.
How To Pick A Pineapple
The peak season for pineapple is March through July. In most areas, pineapple is available year-round, but for the best pineapple pick, one during its peak season.
- The leaf test: The best way to tell if a pineapple is ripe is to pull on one of the inner leaves. If the leaf pulls out easily, then your pineapple is ripe.
- The smell test: It's also a good idea to smell the cut end of the pineapple. it should have a pineapple scent.
- The skin: The skin should be firm and not mushy anywhere on the fruit. The color of the pineapple is not necessarily an indication of its ripeness.
Pineapples do not ripen once they are picked.
Types of Pineapple
The two main varieties of pineapple that are seen in the US are:
- Smooth Cayenne. This variety is grown in Hawaii and is available all year round. It has smooth skin and sweet yellow fruit.
- Del Monte Gold. is grown mostly in the Philippines and Costa Rica. This variety is highly commercial and is what you will commonly see in canned pineapple.
- Tropical Gold. Tropical gold pineapples are grown in the Philippines and Thailand. They're marketed under the Dole brand.
Vodka Infused Pineapple
- Add the fresh pineapple chunks to a glass jar.
- Cover the pineapple with vodka and let it sit overnight in the fridge.
- Use the pineapple chunks in your favorite cocktail recipe,
How To Store Fresh Cut Pineapple
You can store cut pineapple in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge. Frozen pineapple is great to have on hand to use in smoothies or eat right oas a healthy and refreshing snack.
How To Freeze Fresh Pineapple
- Place the pineapple chunks on a baking sheet and spread them out so they aren't touching.
- Freeze the pineapple for several hours and then transfer it to a zip-top bag.
Store the frozen pineapple in the freezer for several months.
Pull out a few chunks when you're making a smoothie.
How To Use Fresh Cut Pineapple
There are many different ways to use cut pineapple. Depending on the recipe you're making, you might need:
- pineapple chunks
- vodka infused pineapple
- pineapple rings
- thick slices quartered to garnish cocktails (skin on or skin off)
Some of our favorite recipes that include pineapple are:
- Pineapple Salsa
- Pineapple Pie
- Pineapple Sweet Rolls
- Pineapple Martini
- Piña Colada
- Grilled Beef and Pineapple Skewers
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How To Cut A Pineapple
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple
Instructions
- Cut off the top. Make sure that you have a very sharp knife. Lay the pineapple on its side and cut off the top of the pineapple.Some sources recommend setting the pineapple upside down on the cut end and letting it rest for 30 minutes. I usually just move on to the next step.
- Cut off the bottom. Spin the pineapple around and cut off the bottom of the pineapple.
- Cut off the skin. Set the pineapple on one of the cut ends and slice off the sides. The trick here is to slide the blade along the natural curve of the fruit and cut deep enough to remove the majority of the eyes (the brown spikey spots) but not so deep that you cut off too much of the fruit.Use a sharp pairing knife to cut off any remaining eyes that seem like they might be too tough.
- Cut in half. With the pineapple standing on the flat end, cut it in half.
- Cut in half again. Cut each half of the pineapple in half again lengthwise.
- Cut out the core at an angle. There are times that I leave the core intact. For instance, if you are using the pineapple as a cocktail garnish.
- Slice lengthwise.
- Slice into chunks
