How to Freeze Pineapple
Let me teach you how to freeze pineapple the easy way! Once you learn this method, you can stay stocked up on frozen pineapple to use in smoothies, mixed drinks, savory dishes, and more! Are you wondering, can you really freeze pineapple? Yes, you can! And it’s much easier than you might think.
How to Freeze Pineapple
While you can buy bags of frozen pineapple at most grocery stores, chopping fresh pineapple and freezing with this method will save you some money, especially if you can get pineapple on sale! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of preserving your own food.
Now I’ve already taught you how to freeze bell peppers, cucumbers, ginger, oranges, and strawberries, so buckle up your seatbelts because today I’m sharing how to make frozen 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 lose 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. Learn the best methods and best tips and tricks to freeze pineapple for future use.
Why This is a Helpful Resource
Freezing juicy and ripe pineapple is such a wonderful way to extend its shelf life. 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, 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!
- Freezing versatile fruit is a wonderful way reduce food waste. You’re able to save the nutritional value of the fruit and save it for future use.
Equipment Needed
The BEST thing about freezing this tasty spiky fruit is that no fancy equipment is involved. Of course you can buy yourself a fancy pineapple cutting tool (they’re pretty handy!), but it’s not necessary. Here’s what you need:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Zip top freezer bags, reusable silicone bags, or any freezer safe container.
What to Look for When Choosing a Fresh Pineapple
Golden Color: Pineapples should be golden and yellow — a green skin indicates underripe fruit.
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.
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.
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 Freeze Pineapple
Follow these instructions to learn how to cut pineapple and the best freezing method:
How to Cut Pineapple
- 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.
- Slice the pineapple in half from top to bottom, then cut each piece in half longways again into smaller pieces.
- Slice away the inner pineapple core and set the pieces aside. Dice the pineapple into bite sized pieces.
You can (of course!) freeze the pineapple pieces in any shape you like! Feel free to freeze it in rings or strips. I find small pieces are better for any recipes prepared in the blender, but you do you!
Flash Freeze the Pineapple
So now we start the freezing process, yay! But 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.
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.
Transfer and Freeze
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!
How long does frozen pineapple last?
For best taste, use frozen pineapple within 3-4 months. It may last a bit longer than that, but after about 4 months you may start to see freezer burn and that will affect the flavor.
How to Use 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 too — Instant Pot pineapple pork chops are so tasty! And pineapple and ham fried rice is delicious too.
I love making a cucumber pineapple smoothie or pineapple ginger juice 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
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!
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.
How to Freeze Pineapple
Equipment
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 Pineapple
Video
Instructions
Cut the Pineapple
- 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.
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.
