How to Cut Pineapple

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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 adding to smoothies, mixed drinks, savory dishes, and more!

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.

Fresh pineapple is so good in pineapple ginger juice and pineapple pico de gallo, and all kinds of other recipes too.

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.

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.

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!

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.

How to Use Fresh or Frozen Pineapple

Freezing pineapple extends its life for up to 3 months! Use it in smoothies, homemade popsicles, ice cream, and chia pudding.

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

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