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    Home » Cooking tips » How To Cut a Pineapple Without Waste

    How To Cut a Pineapple Without Waste

    Published: Apr 1, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Learn how to cut a pineapple without waste by following a few simple steps! This can seem like a daunting task, but don’t be intimidated. It is easy to get to the succulent center!

    cute boy holding a pineapple upside down

    Original recipe: October 2010 | Updated: March 2021

    My jaw literally drops to the produce-aisle floor every time I see how much it costs to purchase pre-cut pineapple at the grocery store. Avoiding the hassle of cutting a pineapple is apparently worth a lot of money to some. It’s insane! Because this popular tropical fruit is not that hard to cut!

    But I get it. Sometimes there just isn’t time for cutting fruit and the price is worth the effort saved. When possible, save yourself a few dollars and learn how to cut a pineapple yourself.

    In less than ten minutes and with only a few easy steps, pineapple pieces will be ready for snacking or to be put into your favorite fruity recipe! And you can do this while minimizing as much waste as possible.

    hand reaching into a bowl of pineapple chunks

    How to Cut a Pineapple Without Waste

    Follow this simple method to not only cut a fresh pineapple, but to do so without creating any waste!

    Also, make sure you have a sharp knife because the thick skin can be difficult to get through. A sharp chef’s knife or a long serrated knife are both great options.

    Your Step By Step Instructions

    Step 1

    Place the ripe pineapple on a cutting board. Remove the ends from the whole pineapple when placed on its side. Cut off 1 inch from the bottom of the pineapple, then the top.

    Note: Room temperature fruit is easier to cut than fruit that has been chilled.

    how to cut a pineapple: stem and base removed on a cutting board

    Step 2

    Stand the pineapple upright and cut off the outer edge of the pineapple, all the way around, to remove the bumpy outer peel. Follow the natural curve of the fruit as you cut, salvaging as much flesh as possible. Remove any row of eyes (brown circles) you see, if any remain.

    Note: If you have a pineapple corer, now is a great time to use it. When going this route, you can easily cut pineapple rings after the core has been removed. Cut thick slices and store in the fridge for snacking or to use in a recipe later.

    pineapple standing on ends with outer edges removed

    Step 3

    Cut in half down the center lengthwise.

    All outsides of the pineapple are compostable!

    how to cut a pineapple down middle

    Step 4

    Lay the pineapple halves flat on a work surface and cut lengthwise down the centers.

    quartered pieces of a tropical fruit on cutting board

    Step 5

    Stand each chunk on its end and remove the pieces of the tough core by cutting down the length of the inner portion of the pineapple (cut away 1 inch from the outside to ensure all of the core is gone).

    Hold onto the core pieces. Don’t toss them! Blend them to put in smoothies. Either use fresh or freeze for later use.

    knife slicing yellow tropical fruit on cutting board

    Step 6

    Place the four pieces of pineapple flat on a chopping board.

    cutting board filled with chunks of fruit

    Step 7

    Cut each piece lengthwise into three sections.

    strips of fruit on cutting board

    Step 8

    Cut crosswise to create 1-inch chunks.

    chunks of fruit on a cutting board

    Step 9

    Transfer pineapple chunks to a bowl for a healthy snack option or add them to a favorite recipe! 

    how to cut a pineapple: chunks sitting in serving bowl

    FAQ About Pineapple

    Are pineapple leaves poisonous

    Although pineapples are non-toxic, the fruit in its unripened form can have toxic effects due to the enzyme bromelain. This enzyme is low in toxicity and when consumed may cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, diarrhea and intestinal discomfort. 

    Are pineapple good for you

    Pineapple is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and can help fight inflammation and disease. This juicy fruit has many health benefits when consumed, including improved digestion and immunity.

    Can pineapple be frozen

    Pineapple freezes extremely well! Cut into chunks, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and do a quick freeze for 10-20 minutes to avoid the chunks sticking together. After the quick-freeze, place in an airtight container or plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 4 months for best results.

    When pineapple ripe

    Before you start cutting, make sure you select that perfect pineapple and that it is ready for the knife! You may feel silly doing this if anyone is around, but put your nose against the bottom of the pineapple. You should smell a distinct ripe, fruity scent.
    In addition to this, when you squeeze the pineapple gently with your fingers it should “give” a bit. If it is rock solid, give it a few days to ripen. If it is squishy, you may have waited too long.

    Why pineapple is good for you

    Pineapple contains vitamins A, B6, E, and K, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and folate. It can aid in digestion and give you an immunity boost, making it a very healthy fruit to consume!

    Related Recipes

    • How to Freeze Tomatoes – Prep Tomatoes for Freezing
    • Easy Pineapple BBQ Chicken
    • How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds
    • Fruit Salad with a Twist

    Uses For Pineapple

    • Pineapple Fluff Salad is the perfect combination of tropical flavors, creaminess and crunchiness. This light and refreshing dessert is the perfect ending to any meal or for a potluck.
    • Add to your next fresh fruit smoothie!
    • Use as an ingredient in a piña colada cocktail or mocktail.
    • Chop into small pieces and throw it into your next batch of salsa to create a tropical pineapple salsa.
    • Make Pineapple Upside-Down Cake!
    • Throw into your juicer to create the world’s freshest pineapple juice.
    • Chop and enjoy as a healthy pineapple snack!
    cute boy making silly face while staring at a spiky fruit

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    How to Cut a Pineapple Without Waste

    Learn how to cut a pineapple without waste by following a few simple steps! Don’t be intimidated. It is easy to get to the succulent center!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 minute minute
    Total Time: 11 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 75kcal
    Author: Megan Porta
    Cost: 3

    Equipment

    • Chef Knife

    Ingredients

    • 1 large pineapple* ripe

    Instructions

    • Using a chef’s knife, remove the ends from the pineapple. Cutting off 1 inch from each end will ensure the skin is completely removed.
    • Stand the pineapple on end and cut down the sides, all the way around, to remove the bumpy peel. Remove the “eyes” (brown circles) if any remain.
    • Cut the pineapple in half down the center lengthwise.
    • Lay the pineapple halves flat on a work surface and cut lengthwise down the center.
    • Stand each pineapple chunk on its end and remove the pieces of core by cutting down the length of the inner portion of the pineapple (cut away 1 inch from the outside to ensure all of the core is gone). Discard core pieces.
    • Place the four pieces of pineapple flat on a work surface.
    • Cut each piece of pineapple lengthwise into three sections.
    • Cut crosswise to create 1-inch chunks of pineapple.
    • Transfer pineapple chunks to a bowl for a healthy snack option or add them to a favorite recipe!

    Video

    Notes

    Before you start cutting, make sure your pineapple is ready for the knife! You may feel silly doing this if anyone is around, but put your nose against the bottom of the pineapple. You should smell a distinct ripe, fruity scent.
    In addition to this, when you squeeze the pineapple gently with your fingers it should “give” a bit. If it is rock solid, give it a few days to ripen. If it is squishy, you may have waited too long.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 75kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 87IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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