A pineapple’s prickly exterior can make it tricky to cut up, but once you learn the proper techniques, you’ll be slicing like a pro. Let’s learn how to cut a pineapple.
Fresh, ripe pineapple is one of life’s greatest pleasures! But getting past the prickly exterior to get the sweet fruit inside might seem a little intimidating if you aren’t used to cutting open a pineapple. No worries! We’ve cut hundreds of pineapples in the Wholefully Kitchens, and we’ve figured out the best way to get to the good stuff—no special equipment necessary. Let’s get cutting!
What is the easiest way to cut a pineapple?
We’re not going to lie, there are lots of tools out there that make cutting a pineapple super easy. If you love fresh pineapple, investing in a pineapple corer might be a good move for you. That being said, if you don’t want to add a specialty tool to your kitchen, a good sharp knife and some elbow grease can easily get you delicious pineapple quickly.
How do you cut and cube a pineapple?
Let’s walk through how to cut a whole pineapple down into cubes, step-by-step:
- Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut off the green crown of the pineapple, as well as about 1/2″ off the bottom of the pineapple.
- Arrange the pineapple upright, with the flat base you just cut on the cutting board. Slice downwards with your knife, following the natural curve of the fruit, to remove a strip of the pineapple rind. Work your way around the fruit removing the pineapple peel until there are no brown spots or spiky parts left.
- Cut the pineapple in half, straight down through the core. Then again until you have made long quarters.
- Place one pineapple quarter down on your cutting board, and use your knife to cut out the core.
- Chop the cored pineapple into bite-size pieces.
- Store in the fridge until use.
How do you cut pineapple rings easily?
Follow these simple steps to cut ripe pineapples into rings:
- Cut off the crown of the pineapple, as well as about 1/2″ off the bottom of the pineapple to create a flat base.
- Stand the pineapple up on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut the spiky outer peel off the pineapple in strips.
- Lay the pineapple on its side, and slice into discs.
- Remove the pineapple core from the discs using a round cookie cutter, cocktail jigger, or a small paring knife. Stash in the fridge until ready to eat.
Wholefully Protip
For baking, you’ll want rings that are about 1/4″ thick, but for snacks, go for 1/2″ rings.
How do you core a pineapple without a corer?
If you want to get rings, you’ll need to cut your rings first and then cut out the core on each ring individually using a small round cookie cutter, cocktail jigger, or a small paring knife.
If you are making pineapple cubes, it’s a lot easier! Just cut the pineapple into four quarters, then lay each quarter down on the cutting board. Cut at an angle to remove the core.
How do you store cut pineapple?
Cut pineapple should be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will remain fresh for 5-7 days. The riper the pineapple, the less time you have to eat it—which is usually just fine because the riper and sweeter a pineapple, the faster it gets eaten!
What are some good pineapple recipes?
Once you have your fresh pineapple all cut up, what can you do with it? We love to snack on fresh pineapple, make pineapple salsa, and pack it in lunchboxes, but there are so many other uses for pineapple, too!
- Pineapple is great in smoothies—try our Coconut Pineapple Smoothie or Mango Tango No Banana Smoothie
- This Pineapple Infused Water is so refreshing on a hot summer day.
- Overnight oats are one of our go-to breakfasts for busy days. Try this tropical fruit and coconut variation to transport yourself to the beach.
- Garnish a piña colada with some pineapple chunks or wedges.
- Pineapple takes on a deep, caramelized sweetness when grilled—try it on these grilled chicken skewers! Or, try the grilled pineapple on its own.
- Pineapple can be a good addition to several kinds of desserts, but perhaps the most classic is a pineapple upside-down cake.
How to Cut a Pineapple
A pineapple's prickly exterior can make it tricky to cut up, but once you learn the proper techniques, you'll be slicing them like a pro. Let's learn how to cut a pineapple.
Materials
- 1 pineapple
Tools
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Pineapple corer (optional)
Instructions
To Make Cubes/Pieces
- Lay the pineapple down on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut off the crown and about 1/2” from the base.
- Sit the pineapple, cut base down, on a cutting board. Working around the outside of the pineapple, slice off the prickly outside layer in long strips until there are no brown pieces left.
- Cut directly through the middle of the pineapple—making two half-cylinders.
- Take one of the half-cylinders and place it flat side down on the cutting board. Cut it in half again.
- Use your knife at an angle to cut out the core of each of the pieces of pineapple. It can be hard to see when the core ends and the soft flesh begins, but you should be able to feel it if you insert a fingernail or fork—if it slides in smoothly, you’ve removed the core. If it’s hard to insert, you need to cut off more of the core.
- Cut the cored piece into bite-sized pieces.
To Make Rings
- Lay the pineapple down on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut off the crown and about 1/2” from the base.
- Sit the pineapple, cut base down, on a cutting board. Working around the outside of the pineapple, slice off the prickly outside layer in long strips until there are no brown pieces left.
- Lay the pineapple down on its side, and slice off discs—1/2” is a good size for snacking, 1/4” or even thinner is good for cooking and baking.
- Remove the core from the discs using a small round cookie cutter, metal cocktail jigger, or just using a sharp paring knife.
