How to cut a pineapple

Do you love pineapples but have always been intimidated by how to cut them? Today, I will show you how to cut a pineapple and make a pineapple bowl! Get ready to be an expert at cutting your favorite fruit.

How do you know when a pineapple is ready to cut?

First, figure out when a pineapple is ripe and ready for cutting. Pineapples are usually ready to cut 2-3 days after buying at the store. Letting the fruit sit at room temperature for a couple of days allows it to ripen fully and release more succulent pineapple juice. When the pineapple is slightly softened to the touch of your finger, and it has a sweet citrusy smell, those are good indicators that the fruit is ready to go under the knife.

Buying pineapple when it’s in season gives you a great chance of working with fresh and tasty fruit. Look for them around February to April. 

What is the easiest way to cut a pineapple?

There are many different ways to cut a pineapple. The step-by-step photos below show the easiest way that I have found to cut a pineapple. I’ve also numbered the steps for an even easier guide to help you be successful at cutting your pineapple. Read on and follow the steps below!

How to cut a pineapple (steps 1-6)

1.   Lay your pineapple down on a sturdy cutting board.

1. Use one hand to firmly hold the pineapple down. Using a sharp knife, cut off the top leafy part of the fruit.

2. Next, turn the pineapple around and cut off the bottom part, leaving a flat surface for the next step.

3. Stand the pineapple on its flat circular bottom, keeping a firm grip on one part of the fruit to cut it in half.

4. Firmly slice the fruit in half from top to bottom.  

5. While it is still standing up, hold the halves of the cut pineapple and peel the skin off of both pieces with the knife. 

How to cut a pineapple (steps 7-15)

1. Lay the shaved pineapple on its core to get ready for the removal of the eyes.

2. Cut along the pattern of diagonal lines where the eyes of the pineapple are naturally. Diagonally cut along the pattern of the eyes using the tip of the knife.

3. Remove the cut pieces and continue until all of the eyes are gone.

4. Repeat with the other half of the pineapple until you are done.

5. Next, cut both pieces in half to get ready to remove the core.

6. Hold the pineapple pieces with one hand, and use a knife, on the other hand to slice the core from the top down. 

7. Lay the cut pieces flat on the cutting board, and you are near the end!

8. Slice the pineapple pieces into chunks and repeat until all the pieces are cut.

9. You are done and ready to enjoy the work you put into cutting this exotic fruit! That's it!

I know cutting a pineapple may seem like such a long and intimidating process, but it’s truly not. As you practice more, it will get quicker and easier each time. I know I included many photos, but hopefully, that will help you see that it’s not difficult. Don’t be intimidated; think of all these photos as a slow-motion, step-by-step process! Once you get the hang of cutting your pineapple, these steps seem to come together very quickly.

How do you make pineapple bowls?

Now that you know how to cut a pineapple, let’s move on to the next phase: How to make pineapple bowls! Also included are step-by-step photo instructions to visually help you see how to make a pineapple bowl.  

Helpful Tips

Here are the written steps,  numbered to go along with the photo above:

1.    Make sure you have a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. 

2.   Cut the pineapple in half, slicing from top to bottom. Make sure to cut through the cut leafy crown part too.

3.   Place the cut pineapple on its back. Then make a square shape on the fruit's flesh using the knife's edge to make a diagonal and deep cut. Cut towards the core of the pineapple as much as you can without cutting through the skin of the pineapple. 

4.   Make three vertical cuts, shaping the lines around the core of the pineapple. You will feel the core because it’s tougher than the flesh. Then make several horizontal cuts to crisscross the cutting lines. This is where you can decide how big or small pineapple chunks you’d like. Less horizontal lines for larger chunks and vice versa for smaller pieces. 

5.   Use the tip of the knife or a fork to remove the first couple of pieces of the pineapple chunks to help loosened up the flesh. 

6.   If you didn’t cut the flesh deep enough, you can use the tip of a knife to slice out the pineapple chunks. 

7.   Remove the rest of the sliced chunks and save the pieces for cooking or eating. At this last step, you can also use a spoon to scoop out the rest of the flesh for a smoother bottom.

That’s it! You can repeat the process with the other half of the pineapple for a second pineapple bowl! That's it! Enjoy your pineapple bowls and save the juicy meaty flesh for a tasty pineapple fried rice coming up next!

More Thai Recipes and Helpful Posts You'll Love

• Pineapple stir fry with chicken
• Pineapple fried rice
• Pineapple curry
• Red curry with Kabocha Squash 
• How to cut a pomelo
• Pomelo salad with shrimp

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