Cutting pineapples is not a difficult task, although the thought of it is often enough to either deter people from buying them, or choosing the pre-cut options which are often quite costly. The truth is you can easily do it yourself without the use of any fancy tools and only a few simple tricks. Instead of skipping over this gorgeous tropical fruit, why not learn how to cut a pineapple, so you and your family can enjoy them fresh?

How to Cut a Pineapple

Whether you are using your pineapple for baking, cooking, juicing, or simply eating it raw – fresh is always best. When you learn how to cut a pineapple yourself, you will be able to pick the perfect one to slice, enjoy, and store. For the best way to cut a pineapple, read the step-by-step instructions below.

Tools

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Food storage container
• Paring knife (optional)

Tip!

If your knives are looking a little blunt, read our guide How to Sharpen Knives At Home to get them in top shape again.

Step 1: Pick Your Pineapple
Before you can get to cutting, you will need to select a ripe pineapple. There are a few simple ways to check if a pineapple is ready for eating.

• Pull on one of the top leaves to see if it comes out easily, if it does, the pineapple is ripe.
• Examine the color. Ripe pineapples have a yellow/golden hue, underripe are green, and overripe are dark orange or brown (the more yellow, the sweeter it will be).
• Smell the base of the pineapple. A sweet scent means it is ripe, no scent means it's underripe, and a hint of alcohol means it is overripe and beginning to ferment.
• Finally, check the firmness. Your pineapple should be fairly firm with a little bit of give on the sides. Avoid a soft pineapple as it is overripe.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pineapple
Now you can learn how to cut a pineapple. Once you have washed and dried yours, you can begin to make it easier to handle.

• Lay your pineapple on its side on top of a cutting board.
• Use your sharp knife to remove the top and bottom portions.
• Make sure to cut off as much of these parts as possible as the top and bottom sections of a pineapple contain less edible flesh.

Step 3: Remove the Rind
Next you need to tackle the exterior of your pineapple. Sit yours upright on the newly cut base and using your knife, carefully work your way around cutting the rind off in long strips.

• Make sure to cut out the eyes but try to slice as thinly as possible to preserve the pineapple's flesh as this is the sweetest part.
• Follow the contour of the pineapple for the best results.
• Once it is all trimmed you can go in with a paring knife (a normal knife or peeler will also work) and remove any excess skin or eyes that were left behind.

Step 4: Slice the Pineapple
Now you can begin slicing the pineapple up. Start by holding the pineapple upright and slicing it in half down the middle.

• Then lay each half flat – cut-side down – and slice those in half to create quarters.

Step 5: Trim the Core
Next, it's time to cut out the core on each segment as this part is mostly inedible.

• Lay each quarter on the cutting board and cut them into a wedge shape holding your knife at an angle to remove the core.
• Repeat with remaining pieces.
• It is possible to get pineapple slicers to remove the core for you.

Tip!

You don't have to toss the pineapple core once you have cut it.

• Chop and puree it for marinades.
• Grate it for salads.
• Cut it into squares and freeze them to use as flavored ice cubes in drinks.

Step 6: Cut Pineapple as Desired
Now you can cut the pineapple however you prefer.

• For chunks – simply take each quarter and slice it into individual pieces as large or small as you prefer.
• To cut rings – turn the pineapple on its side and cut rounds that are 3/4 – 1 inch thick.
• Then use a 1 1/2 – 2 inch circular cookie cutter to remove the core from each slice.
• If you plan to grill your pineapple rounds, you are better off removing the core after they have been cooked for ease of use.

Step 7: Store the Pineapple
If you don't immediately use all of your pineapple, you may want to know how to store a pineapple correctly and keep it as fresh as possible.

• The simplest way is to use an airtight container to store your pineapple pieces for up to one week in the fridge.

Now you know how to cut a pineapple, you can use it in a myriad of ways. For some fun pineapple recipes, read Pineapple Coconut Energy Bites Recipe, Banana Pineapple Mini Bundt Cakes, and Kiwi and Pineapple Slushy.