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.
Yield: 8 servings (about 4 cups cubed)
Cost: Low
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Pineapple corer (optional)
Materials
- 1 pineapple
Instructions
To Make Cubes/Pieces
- Lay the pineapple down on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, cut off the crown and about ½” 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 ½” 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—½” is a good size for snacking, ¼” 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.
