Need to cut a fresh pineapple and don’t know where to start?
Here’s step by step instructions on how to cut a pineapple to get the sweetest and juiciest parts.
When I was little, one of our favorite treats was fresh pineapple.
Elise Bauer
We kids would gather around the table with wide-eyed fascination as our father would carefully prep the pineapple.
My father’s method is simple, though not at all obvious by just looking at the pineapple.
How to Properly Cut a Pineapple
First you off the green spiky top.
Elise Bauer
The sweetest and juiciest parts of the pineapple were usually right at the very edge.
you’re able to’t eat them, they’re too prickly.
If you looked carefully you’re able to tell that the eyes line up in a spiral.
It’s a pineapple pop!.Elise Bauer
If it smells like sweet, fresh pineapple juice, it’s ripe.
If it doesn’t smell of pineapple, it isn’t ripe.
If it smells fermented, it’s over-ripe.
Elise Bauer
The pineapple can be green, golden, or a mix, it doesn’t matter.
What matters is the smell.
Contrary to a common misperception, pineapples do not continue to ripen once picked.
Elise Bauer
(SeeHawaiian Crownand Dole articles on this.)
Pineapples should be eaten soon after they’re bought.
If you better store them, store them in the refrigerator; they’ll keep longer.
Elise Bauer
If you are rushed for time you’re able to easily do that.
But the far edges are the best part, especially if the pineapple is still a little green.
Stand the pineapple upright on the cutting board.
Elise Bauer
Do not cut so deep as to cut away the eyes.
Cut off the bottom half inch or so of the pineapple.
Now you have a pineapple dotted with eyes which must be removed.
Elise Bauer
Notice that the eyes all line up on a diagonal!
Continue to work your way around the pineapple.
Now the pineapple is ready to cut further.
Elise Bauer
There are several ways to make the final cuts of the pineapple, depending how you are serving it.
If you want rounds, just lay the pineapple on its side and cut it into 3/4 inch rounds.
For rings, cut out the tough core.
Elise Bauer
When we were kids we preferred to keep the core in.
If you just want chunks, cut the pineapple lengthwise into quarters.
Cut out the tough core, then cut each quarter lengthwise again.
Elise Bauer
Then cut crosswise into chunks.
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise’s dad with a fresh pineapple.Elise Bauer
