How to Cut Pineapple

5 from 2 votes

Let me teach you how to cut pineapple without any hassle! Once you learn this method, you can stay stocked up on fresh pineapple for snacking and baking or frozen pineapple to use in smoothies, mixed drinks, savory dishes, and more! Fresh pineapple is so good and it’s much easier than you might think.

A golden ripe pineapple on a cutting board beside a large knife.

How to Cut Pineapple

While you can buy pre-cut containers of fresh pineapple or big bags of frozen pineapple at most grocery stores, chopping fresh pineapple will save you some money, especially if you can get a fresh pineapple on sale!

Now I’ve already taught you how to cut a pomegranate and bell peppers without any hassle, so get ready to cut your own pineapple the easy way, too!

Did I mention you can use this method to preserve canned pineapple chunks and rings, too?! I personally love to get extra fresh pineapple while it’s in season and freeze it to preserve its signature juiciness. Then you can use it in tons of delicious recipes whenever needed.

Freezing pineapple is useful for so many different things! From tropical smoothies to Hawaiian chicken kebabs, there’s so many ways to use frozen pineapple. Fresh pineapple is so good in pineapple ginger juice and pineapple avocado salsa, and all kinds of other recipes too.

A gallon-sized ziplock bag filled with frozen diced pineapple.

Why This is a Helpful Resource

Cutting your own juicy and ripe pineapple is such a wonderful way to save some money and get the most out of your pineapple. Then later, you’ll have the added ease of less prep time for your dishes:

  • Fresh pineapple is in season from March through July, so you’ll often see bigger displays in stores during that time, and you’ll often see them on sale, too! I like to seize that opportunity, buy a few extra pineapples, cut them up and freeze them for later!
  • Pineapple is full of the nutritional qualities of bromelain, Vitamin C, and so much more. It’s a solid option to help boost your immune system!
  • Cutting your own fruit is a wonderful way to save money. Pre-cut fruit usually costs more than un-cut fruit, you’ll be able to get even more out of each fruit, so that’s more bang for your buck.

Equipment Needed

The BEST thing about cutting your own pineapple is that no fancy equipment is involved. Of course you can buy yourself a fancy pineapple corer and cutter tool (they’re pretty handy!), but it’s not necessary. You already have everything you need, I bet! Here’s what you need:

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Zip top freezer bags, reusable silicone bags, or any freezer safe container (if you plan to freeze it)
  • For slices: A pineapple corer or a small circle cookie cutter, jar or bottle.

Choosing a Fresh Pineapple

There are a few things you should look for when choosing a fresh pineapple.

  1. Golden Color: Pineapples should be golden and yellow — a green skin indicates underripe fruit.
  2. Green Fronds (Leaves): The leaves of the pineapple should have a decent amount of green in them. If they’re very brown and withered the pineapple might be beginning to rot.
  3. Tender to Touch: Gently squeeze the pineapple. It should have a slightly tender feel and should give a little under the pressure of your fingers. If the pineapple is rock hard, pass and try another. It shouldn’t have a mushy texture either.
  4. Sweet Scent: To choose the best, most flavorful pineapple, pick one up in your hands and smell it at its base. If it smells sweet and fruity, it’s likely perfectly ripe and super sweet. If you don’t notice a scent, it probably won’t be as flavorful.
Step by step numbered collage showing the process of how to cut a pineapple.

How to Cut Pineapple

You can (of course!) cut the pineapple pieces into any shape you like! Rings, chunks or strips are all very common. I find small pieces are better for any recipes prepared in the blender, but you do you! Follow these instructions to learn how to cut pineapple:

Diced chunks

  1. Slice the crown and base of the pineapple off, then set them aside.
  2. Turn the entire pineapple so it’s sitting upright, and then cut away the skin, working around the edge of the pineapple. Be sure to remove all the brown “eyes” (or spots) from the pineapple.
  3. Slice the pineapple in half from top to bottom, then cut each piece in half longways again into smaller pieces.
  4. Slice away the inner pineapple core and set the pieces aside. Dice the pineapple into bite sized pieces.
Four slices of pineapple cooking on a grill.

Slices

  1. Slice the crown and base of the pineapple off, then set them aside.
  2. Turn the entire pineapple so it’s sitting upright, and then cut away the skin, working around the edge of the pineapple. Be sure to remove all the brown “eyes” (or spots) from the pineapple.
  3. If you have a pineapple corer: Hold it vertically over the pineapple core, then lower it while adding pressure through the fruit, pushing it all the way through to the bottom. Remove it and pull out the core. Then, hold the pineapple on its side and cut slices in whatever thickness you desire.
  4. If you do not have a pineapple corer: Turn the pineapple over on its side and slice the pineapple into large circles. Use a small jar, glass, bottle or cookie cutter to cut out the core.
  5. If you want, you can use a cookie cutter, like a star, to cut out shapes. These are so fun for drinks.

Sliced pineapple is so good on the grill. Try it on a Hawaiian burger — so good!

Diced pineapple on a baking sheet.

How to Freeze Pineapple

If you plan to freeze your pineapple, it’s pretty easy to do and a great way to preserve any extra for later!

What not to do: You definitely don’t want to just throw the pineapple in a freezer-safe bag and throw that bag into the freezer! Why? You’ll end up with a big clump of frozen pineapple pieces.

Here’s what to do instead:

Lay the diced pineapple on a baking sheet in a single layer, spreading the pieces apart as much as possible. Set the baking tray in the freezer for about an hour. This will start the freezing process so the pieces don’t stick together in one big clump in the freezer. Trust me, this will make using your frozen pineapple in recipes MUCH easier!

If using canned pineapple: Drain all the liquid from the pineapple pieces, and pat them dry with paper towels before setting it on the baking sheet.

Then you are ready to freeze it! Use a spatula to transfer the pineapple pieces to a zip-top freezer bag or any other kind of freezer-safe container.

Squeeze ALL the air out. Less air = better quality and taste. Don’t forget to grab a sharpie and write the date on your bag. Set the resealable plastic bag back in the freezer and keep it there until you’re ready to enjoy it!

Top down of a serving spoon taking frozen pineapple out of a zip top bag.

Storing Pineapple

Uncut pineapple: This can last about three days at room temperature, or about a week if you keep it in your fridge’s crisper drawer.

Fresh, cut pineapple: Once you cut pineapple, you can store it in a food-safe, airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s going to be freshest and the best-tasting within the first few days.

Frozen pineapple: For best taste, use frozen pineapple within 3-4 months. It can last up to a year if stored properly, but after about 4 months you may start to see freezer burn and that will affect the flavor.

Mixed pineapple and red cabbage slaw in a glass boowl.

How to Use Fresh or Frozen Pineapple

Frozen pineapple is fantastic in so many ways! Use it in smoothies, homemade popsicles, ice cream, and chia pudding. And don’t forget, it’s great in savory recipes — Instant Pot pineapple pork chops are so tasty! Pickled pineapple is so good to add to all kinds of recipes too.

I love making a cucumber pineapple smoothie when I want something healthy as a pick-me-up. For a fun dinner, make some blackened flounder with pineapple salsa! Or kick things up a notch on Friday pizza night with Hawaiian pizza.

FAQ

What shapes can I cut pineapple?

You can cut pineapple into slices or rings, large chunks, small diced pieces or long spears. You can even take slices and cut out shapes with a cookie cutter, which is fun for drinks.

Should I defrost frozen pineapple before using it?

You can! To defrost frozen pineapple, set it in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight. Drain any excess liquid that collects in the bottom of the bowl, or you can add it to smoothies or mixed drinks!

How long does it take to freeze pineapple?

Plan for 18-24 hours to fully freeze your pineapple pieces.

More Helpful Resources

Okay, now head to the produce aisle and stock up on pineapples! Let me know how this works out for you- Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom.

Top down off frozen pineapple pieces inside a zip top bag.

How to Cut Pineapple

Cutting pineapple at home is so much more affordable than buying it pre-cut at the store! Cut it at home for recipes or snacking, or freeze it when it's ripe and sweet and you'll always have the best tasting pineapple at your fingertips.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 cups

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 pineapple

Video

Instructions

Cutting Pineapple into Chunks

  • First, slice the crown and base of the pineapple off, and set them aside. Cut away the skin, working around the edge of the pineapple.
  • Slice the pineapple in half from top to bottom, then cut each piece in half longways again.
  • Slice away the inner core. Dice the pineapple into bite sized pieces or any other shape you'd like.

Cutting Pineapple into Slices

  • Slice the crown and base of the pineapple off, then set them aside. Turn the entire pineapple so it’s sitting upright, and then cut away the skin, working around the edge of the pineapple. Be sure to remove all the brown “eyes” (or spots) from the pineapple.
  • If you have a pineapple corer: Hold it vertically over the pineapple core, then lower it while adding pressure through the fruit, pushing it all the way through to the bottom. Remove it and pull out the core. Then, hold the pineapple on its side and cut slices in whatever thickness you desire.
  • If you do not have a pineapple corer: Turn the pineapple over on its side and slice the pineapple into large circles. Use a small jar, glass, bottle or cookie cutter to cut out the core.

Par-Freeze

  • Lay the diced pineapple on a baking sheet in a single layer, spreading the pieces apart. Set the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour.
    If using canned pineapple: Drain all the liquid from the pineapple pieces before setting it on the baking sheet.

Transfer and Freeze

  • Use a spatula to transfer the pineapple pieces to a zip top bag or any other kind of freezer safe container.
    Squeeze the air out and set the bag back in the freezer to finish freezing for 18-24 hours.

Notes

Kid snack hack: If you want, you can use a cookie cutter to cut pineapple slices. You can cut them into stars, flowers or hearts or whatever you have. These are so fun for drinks or snacking with kiddos. 

Storage:

Uncut pineapple: This can last about three days at room temperature, or about a week if you keep it in your fridge’s crisper drawer.
Fresh, cut pineapple: Once you cut pineapple, you can store it in a food-safe, airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s going to be freshest and the best-tasting within the first few days.
Frozen pineapple: For best taste, use frozen pineapple within 3-4 months. It can last up to a year if stored properly, but after about 4 months you may start to see freezer burn and that will affect the flavor.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 119g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 986mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 89g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 433mg | Calcium: 118mg | Iron: 3mg
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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I do this all the time with pineapple. I also keep the core, and freeze and label it separately. It is more nutritious than the pineapple, and is great in smoothies. I also throw the skin of the pineapple into the woods. The deer, birds, and squirrels love it.