How to Cut a Pineapple

Is there anything better than popping a piece of sweet, fresh pineapple in your mouth? The challenge is cutting a pineapple! Peeling, coring, and slicing for fruit salads, salsas, and desserts can be a pain. Let me relieve that pain point.

Growing up in a tropical climate where pineapples grow in abundance, peeling, slicing, and preparing them was second nature. Then a friend told me she hated preparing fresh fruit because it was so time-consuming and difficult. That was when I decided to do a how-to series.

Rings ready for cake, ham, or the grill.

Keys to Easy Cutting

Probably the most important tip is having a long, sharp knife. Trying to cut a pineapple with a small or dull knife is asking for trouble. I also prefer a wooden cutting board, but if all you have is plastic, then use what you have. A bowl ready to receive the cut pineapple and a bowl for the scraps make for easier cleanup. That’s simple, right?

Peeling and Cutting a Pineapple

Remove the end, slice off the peel, remove the top and slice to the desired width.

Rinse the pineapple under running water to remove dirt or debris.
Place the pineapple on its side, and slice about half an inch off the bottom with a sharp knife. Leaving the top on until after peeling gives you a handle to hold on to. (Photo 1)
Set the pineapple upright on the flat bottom. Slice downward following the curve of the fruit, removing strips of the skin from top to bottom. Cut off enough to remove the eyes (the brown spots) without wasting too much fruit. Remove any eyes that remain with the tip of your knife. (Photo 2)
Decide if you want rings, wedges, or chunks.

Cut the core out of the rings and use as is, or slice the ring into chunks,

For rings, slice crosswise, then remove the core if desired. (Photos 3-6)
Cut the slices into chunks if desired. (Photos 7-8)

Or cut into wedges, and optionally dice.

For wedges, slice the pineapple lengthwise into quarters. Lay each quarter on its side and slice off the core if it’s tough and fibrous. Then slice the wedges in half lengthwise for 8 wedges.
For chunks, slice or dice the pineapple wedges. Use as desired.

Pineapple chunks in a bowl ready to use in your favorite recipe.

Tips and Tricks

There is more flavor in the peel and core than there is in the flesh. So please don’t throw them out. Put them in a pot and add enough water to cover. A pinch of ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg also tastes good if you like a little extra flavor. Simmer for about 30 minutes, and do a taste test. You may like it as is, or you may want to add a bit of brown sugar to sweeten it up. Strain, chill, and enjoy.
The inner leaves of the top will come out easily if the pineapple is ripe. It will also smell incredible.

How to Use Pineapple

Try my homemade pineapple juice for a starter. Then add a little passion fruit and pineapple for lemonade on steroids. Homemade pineapple ice cream is always a hit with the family, and if you want to take coleslaw over the top, add it too.