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!
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.
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.
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.
Step 3
Cut in half down the center lengthwise.
All outsides of the pineapple are compostable!
Step 4
Lay the pineapple halves flat on a work surface and cut lengthwise down the centers.
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.
Step 6
Place the four pieces of pineapple flat on a chopping board.
Step 7
Cut each piece lengthwise into three sections.
Step 8
Cut crosswise to create 1-inch chunks.
Step 9
Transfer pineapple chunks to a bowl for a healthy snack option or add them to a favorite recipe!
FAQ About Pineapple
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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How to Cut a Pineapple Without Waste
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!
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