How to Cut a Pineapple
Here’s the only guide you’ll ever need on How to Cut a Pineapple! This foolproof method will always give you the best pineapple chunks with no fuss. Perfect for when you’re craving some fresh pineapple this summer!
We’ve all been there. You have your knife, a pineapple, and a goal. One thing leads to another and before you know it, you’re left with a sticky sweet mess of uneven pieces and wasted pineapple. Avoid that headache by using my simple method – it’s truly fail-proof!
I’ve spent many, many summers perfecting this method. Pineapple if one of my favorites (if not my absolute favorite) fruit. While it’s easy to just buy a container of fresh pineapple chunks from the produce section of your grocery store, I just love fresh fruit and it’s so much more cost effective to do it yourself.
And if you’re anything like me, you like getting an extra bang for your buck! With this step by step guide on how to best cut a pineapple, you’ll get more fruit for less money than you would buying it already cut. It’s such a win-win! Plus, cutting it yourself really only takes a few minutes.
Ingredients
Of course, you only need one thing for this method – a pineapple!
Make sure it’s ripe before you start slicing. You can tell it’s ripe the way you would most fruits, by giving it a gentle squeeze. If it’s rock solid, it’s not ripe enough yet. If it’s very squishy, you may want to toss it out! A ripe pineapple should give a gentle give when squeezed.
You can also observe the rind of the pineapple. If there’s a lot of green and doesn’t smell like a pineapple, it’s probably under-ripe.
How to Cut a Pineapple
For even more information on this easiest way to cut a pineapple, keep scrolling down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page! First and foremost, make sure you’re using a sharp knife and follow my step-by-step guide.
- Slice off the rind. First things first! On a large cutting board, cut off the top of the pineapple and bottom of the pineapple. Then, stand the pineapple upright on its end and slice off all of the rind.
- Remove the eyes. With the rind gone, lay the pineapple on its side. Use your knife to cut along diagonal lines to remove the “eyes.” This just refers to the brown markings on the pineapple’s surface! Do this simply by cutting in a wedge fashion, aiming your knife inward on each side of the eye.
- Halve it. Stand the pineapple on its end again. Cut it in half.
- Cut it into chunks. Now that you’ve removed the rind and eyes, stand the pineapple on its end once more and slice it in half. Cut the halves in half again and slice into even chunks. See how easy that is?
What if I want to slice it into rounds?
I find the best way to cut your pineapple into rings is to prep it as instructed then slice it. Just cut the pineapple into slices (however thick or thin you want them), then cut the core out with a round biscuit cutter or pineapple corer. Voila! You now have pineapple rings.
You can save the core of the pineapple for smoothies. It’s rich in Bromelain, which is an enzyme that may aid in digestion.
How to Store Pineapple
Fresh pineapple will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-5 days.
You can also freeze pineapple in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. An easy way to ensure your pineapple isn’t frozen into one big pineapple block is to spread the cut pineapple out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze the pineapple until firm and transfer to the container or freezer bag. Return to the freezer to store it.
Favorite Pineapple Recipes
I could just eat the whole pineapple the way it is! There’s nothing quite like enjoying fresh pineapple on a hot summer day.
Or, get creative with your fresh pineapple! Toss together some pineapple salsa or chili lime grilled pineapple for amazing summer snacks. Add to your favorite Fruit Salad. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth by making baked pineapple casserole, pineapple sunshine cake or easy pineapple upside down cake!
If you’re craving a super summery adult cocktail, consider using your fresh pineapple in recipes like a spicy roasted pineapple margarita or pineapple prosecco wine slushies.
More of the best how to hacks!
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- How to Cut a Pomegranate
- How to Cut a Watermelon
- How to Freeze Corn
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Get the Recipe: How To Cut a Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 Pineapple
Equipment
- 1 sharp knife
Instructions
- Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.
- Stand the pineapple on its end and slice the rind off.
- Lay the pineapple on its side.
- Carefully use your knife to remove the eyes (the brown markings on the pineapple’s surface) by cutting in a wedge fashion, aiming your knife inward on each side of the eye.
- Stand the pineapple on its end again and cut in half.
- Once you’ve removed the rind and eyes, stand the pineapple on its end again and cut in half. Cut the halves in half again and slice into chunks. Use the chunks in a fruit salad or to add a little sweetness to your next taco night with grilled pineapple salsa.
Notes
Simply cut the pineapple into slices — however thick or thin you want them — and then cut the core out with a round biscuit cutter.