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Easiest Way To Cut A Pineapple

Pineapples are one of those juicy refreshing fruits that can be added to sweet and savory dishes! Their sweet yet tart flavor and crunchy yet soft texture set this fruit aside from most others.

You might be intimidated by how to cut a pineapple so that you get chunks and slices and how to go about cutting into this prickly fruit.

Follow along these easy steps to cutting a pineapple so that you can add it to your fruit salad or maybe even a Hawaiian pizza!

Video: How to cut a pineapple

How to cut a pineapple

What you need:

  • Pineapple
  • Sharp Chef knife
  • Cutting board

Summary of instructions:

  1. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.
  2. Stand the pineapple on the cut end and cut off the skin using a sharp chef’s knife. Work your way around the pineapple until all of the skin is off.
  3. Cut through the middle of the pineapple cutting the through the core.
  4. Cut each quarter in half through the core again and then one more time making it into 8 strips.
  5. Lay each strip on its side and cut off the side of the strip with the core.
  6. Cut into desired thickness making pineapple chunks or slices.

Cut the top and bottom

A whole pineapple with the bottom cut off

You want to cut the top and then the bottom off from the pineapple. Only cut off about 1/2 inch from either end. You will want to use a sharp chef’s knife to get through it easily.

Some like to allow the pineapple to rest for about 30 minutes with the top side down to allow the juices the gravitate back down through the fruit.

It can be hard to determine when they are ripe, I have a post that will walk you through just how to tell if a pineapple is ripe.

Cut off the skin

Cutting the skin off from a pineapple with a chef knife

Now that you have cut off the top and the bottom, stand the pineapple up on the cut end. This will help to keep the pineapple stable with you trim the skin off.

Go around the outside cutting off skin. You only want to go as deep into the pineapple as you have to in order to cut the eyes off also. It should need more than 1/4 inch or so trimmed off.

Cut through the core

A peeled pineapple with a chef knife pointing to the core.

While the pineapple is still standing, cut straight through the middle of the fruit. This cut will go right through the core. Cut those halves in half again cutting through the core.

Cut the quarters in half again. You will now have eight long pineapple pieces. If you watch my YouTube channel video you will see this more clearly.

Remove the core

Cutting the core out of the pineapple

Lay each piece on its side and cut the core off from each one. One cut along the edge will remove the core.

Discard the core pieces that you have cut off. They are tough and the texture or taste is not pleasant.

Cut into pieces

Cutting pineapple into chunks

Now you have removed the top, bottom, skin, and core and it can be cut up into bite-size pieces. You can determine the thickness that you desire.

These are greatly used on a fruit platter, in a fruit salad, or even in a savory dish like Hawaiian pizza!

How to pick a ripe pineapple

Pineapples are a delicious and nutritious fruit, but it can be tricky to know when they are ripe. Here are a few tips to help you pick a ripe pineapple:

  • Look for a pineapple that is evenly colored. A ripe pineapple will have a golden yellow color all over. If the pineapple is still green, it is not ripe.
  • Smell the pineapple. A ripe pineapple will have a sweet, fruity smell. If the pineapple has no smell or a sour smell, it is not ripe.
  • Give the pineapple a gentle squeeze. A ripe pineapple will be firm but slightly soft when you squeeze it. If the pineapple is hard, it is not ripe. If the pineapple is soft, it may be overripe.

If you follow these tips, you will be able to pick a ripe pineapple every time.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a ripe pineapple:

  • Avoid pineapples with brown spots or bruises. These spots are signs of damage, and the pineapple may not be as sweet or juicy as a pineapple without damage.
  • Choose a pineapple that is heavy for its size. This is a sign that the pineapple is full of juice.
  • Buy a pineapple that is still attached to its leafy crown. This will help to ensure that the pineapple is fresh.

How to ripen a pineapple

Pineapples are typically picked when they are still green and unripe. They will ripen at room temperature, but it can take several days. To speed up the ripening process, you can place the pineapple in a paper bag with an apple or banana.

These fruits produce ethylene gas, which helps to ripen other fruits. You can also place the pineapple upside down on its crown. This will help the natural sugars in the fruit to flow to the crown and ripen it.

How to store cut pineapple

Cut pineapple can be stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, be sure to thaw it completely before using it.

To prevent the pineapple from browning, you can sprinkle it with lemon juice or lime juice. If you are storing the pineapple for more than a few days, it is best to remove the core and any brown spots.

When you are ready to use the pineapple, be sure to rinse it thoroughly under cold water.

Conclusion

So that is how you cut a pineapple. Not as daunting as it looks right? Another fruit that many people find themselves asking how to cut is a watermelon. Find out my tips and tricks on how to cut a watermelon!

FAQ

You can let a pineapple rest upside down for about 30 minutes after you cut the top off. This will allow for the juices to disperse through the fruit and for each bite to be juicier.

Once you have cut into a pineapple and cut the skin off then it should be stored in the fridge. However, a whole pineapple should be stored at room temperature until it is ready to cut.

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