Cutting a pineapple properly is easier said than done. There are so many different ways to cut a pineapple and all of them require you to use a knife. But, how do you cut a pineapple? Today we will be going over the proper way to take this (or any) fruit and turn it into chunks, rings, or spears.
But first, let's look at choosing the perfect ripe pineapple.
Here's a quick tutorial:
How can you tell when a pineapple is ripe?
Pineapples are ripe when they're soft to the touch and fragrant. You can tell a pineapple is ripe if you can easily indent it with your thumb. If no one is watching you with evil eyes, you can also put the pineapple up to your nose and smell it.
You'll smell its fragrant through all that thick skin, if it's ripe. You'll also smell alcohol from it ifs it's so ripe it's starting to ferment. If you smell almost nothing, it's not ripe yet.
But no worries, if it's not ripe or if you can't find a ripe one, you can add it to a banana in a brown bag when you get home. Bananas release a fruit ripening compound to all fruits near it.
If you're still not sure, cut off the top of the pineapple and take a look at the inside flesh near the base of the fruit - it should be yellow or white. Once you've found a ripe pineapple, eat it within a few days for the best flavor.
What Pineapple is Best?
When it comes to pineapples, there are two types of people in this world: those who prefer their pineapples ripe, and those who prefer them unripe. There is no wrong answer, but there is definitely a right pineapple for each type of person.
For those who like their pineapples ripe, the sweeter the better. A ripe pineapple will have yellow or brown spots on the skin and feel soft to the touch. On the other hand, unripe pineapples are preferred by those who like them tart and juicy.
These pineapples will be mostly green with a hard shell. No matter what your preference is, there is a pineapple out there that is perfect for you.
How to Cut a Pineapple
Step 1: Cut off both ends.
Use a sharp knife to cut off the top of the pineapple. The top will be used as a lid for storing or serving the pineapple later. Make sure to leave enough of a stem so that you can easily remove it later.
Use a sharp knife to do this - or try our very sharp made-in-USA chefs knife.
Step 2: Trim the skin.
The next step is to remove the skin from the pineapple. This will take some time, as you'll have to cut off each section of skin in strips. The black eyes will remain, that's okay we'll get to that next. If you want pineapple rings, or don't want to have to do step 3, just cut thick into the skin to remove all the eyes in this step.
Step 3: Remove the dark eyes.
use your knife to cut down at a 30 degree angle into the eyes about a quarter of an inch deep. Next, make cuts all around it at a slight angle so that they look like triangles when seen from above. Once done, this is what you get:
Step 4: Cut out the core. (2 Different Ways)
Once you've removed the skin, you'll need to remove the core. You can do this in a couple of ways:
-If you have an apple corer, use that! They're easy to find at most grocery stores or kitchen supply stores. You'll just push down on the handle to create a cylinder around the core and then pull it out of your pineapple. You'll need a corer if you want pineapple rings. You don't need it if you're going for slices, wedges, or chunks.
-If you don't have an apple corer or don't want to use one, then simply cut away any remaining flesh from around the core using your chef's knife.
Now it's time to decide whether you want rings, chunks, or wedges!
Get Pineapple Rings:
Once you've cored the center with a corer. Turn it on its side and slice it into rings with your knife. You can make these as thick or thin as you like; just make sure that they're even so that they cook evenly later on. Go for thick rings if you're planning on throwing it on the grill - they hold together better when you flip them!
Get Pineapple Chunks:
Now turn the rings so that they're cut side down on your cutting board. Cut them in half again, then turn each half onto its flat side and cut it into 1-inch chunks or smaller pieces if you want.
Our favorite ways to use fresh cut pineapple
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy fresh cut pineapple! We love to add it to smoothies, use it in tropical cocktails, or simply eat it on its own as a refreshing snack. It's also great in savory dishes - we love to grill or roast pineapple and add it to stir-fries or salads. No matter how you enjoy it, fresh cut pineapple is always a welcome addition to any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with the pineapple skin and core?
The top makes a great decoration for any dish you're planning to cook that includes pineapple. If your tongue does not get scratchy when you eat the core, you can blend them in your favorite smoothie.
It can also be used as a natural facial scrub. If you want to get really creative, you can even carve the skin and core into fun shapes and use them as decorations for your next party.
When are Pineapples in Season?
Pineapples are in season from March to July. This tropical fruit is a great addition to any summer dish!
What are the nutritional benefits of pineapples?
Pineapples are a tropical fruit that is not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients. Just one cup of pineapple contains over 100% of the daily value for vitamin C, as well as other important vitamins and minerals like manganese and potassium. Pineapples are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
How to Store Pineapple Once It's Been Cut
To store pineapple once it has been cut, it should be placed in an airtight container. This will help to keep the pineapple chunks from drying out and becoming too hard.
Can you cut a pineapple when it's green
Yes, you can cut a pineapple when it's green. The green color of the pineapple indicates that it is not ripe yet. When cutting a green pineapple, be sure to use a sharp knife and cut away the tough outer skin. Once the skin is removed, you can then cut the pineapple into slices or cubes.
How do you cut a pineapple for grilling
Use thick rings for direct grilling - they hold together better when you flip them.
If using wooden skewers, thread the pineapple onto the skewer. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill the pineapple for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking. Enjoy!
Will a cut pineapple top grow?
Yes, a cut pineapple top will grow. The top of the pineapple contains the stem, which is full of the nutrients the plant needs to grow. When you cut the top off of a pineapple, make sure to leave at least an inch of the stem attached. Place the stem in a pot of soil and keep it warm and moist. In a few weeks, you should see new growth.
However most regions in the United States won't support the growth of a pineapple, plus it takes around two years to grow into a full grown pineapple. While it's fun, it might not be the best idea to grow your own food!
Can you roll a pineapple to cut it
No, you cannot roll a pineapple to cut it.
how to cut a pineapple without waste
To cut a pineapple without wasting any of it, first cut off the top and bottom. Stand the pineapple upright and slice off the skin, following the curve of the fruit. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise and then slice it into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter by cutting it out with a small knife. Finally, cut the pineapple into pieces or slices as desired. Enjoy!
Related: Check out our entire collection of made-in-USA knives here
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