Prepare Fresh Pineapple

 

🍍 How to Choose, Cut & Prepare a Fresh Pineapple

Step 1: Choose a Fresh Pineapple

Look for: Fresh green leaves on top (the crown), a golden-yellow skin (the more yellow, the riper), and a sweet tropical smell at the base.

Avoid: Soft spots, mold, or a fermented smell.

Tip: You should be able to gently tug out a center leaf from the crown of a ripe pineapple.

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Step 2: Wash the Pineapple

Rinse the outside of the pineapple under cold water.

Use a brush or your hands to remove any dirt or residue, especially around the base and crown.

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Step 3: Remove the Top and Bottom

Place the pineapple on a cutting board.

Use a sharp knife to slice off the crown (top) and base (bottom) — about ½ inch from each end.

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Step 4: Remove the Skin

Stand the pineapple upright.

Slice downward along the sides to remove the thick skin, following the curve of the fruit.

Don’t worry about the brown “eyes” — we’ll remove those next.

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Step 5: Remove the Eyes

Cut shallow diagonal grooves in a spiral pattern to remove the “eyes” (brown dots).

A small paring knife works well for this.

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Step 6: Cut the Pineapple

You can cut it into rings, chunks, or spears:

For rings: Slice the peeled pineapple crosswise into circles, then use a round cutter or knife to remove the tough core from each slice.

For chunks/spears:

1. Slice the pineapple in half vertically.

2. Then cut into quarters.

3. Cut out the tough core from each quarter.

4. Slice into desired shapes (chunks or spears).

Step 7: Store or Serve

Store cut pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Enjoy it fresh, chilled, grilled, blended in smoothies, or added to salads and desserts!