Do you love pineapples but have always been intimidated by how to cut them? In this blog post, I will show you how to cut a pineapple (with step-by-step photos) and turn them into fun and festive pineapple bowls! Get ready to be an expert at cutting your favorite tropical fruit!
Do you crave the juicy sweetness of fresh pineapple but are unsure how to do it correctly? Fear not! I'm here to guide you through the best way to cut and store a whole pineapple, ensuring you get the most out of this delectable tropical fruit.
Whether you want thin slices for a fruit salad or pineapple rings for a tangy snack, I've covered you with simple steps and helpful tips! Read on, pineapple lovers!
For tasty pineapple recipes, check out these delicious recipes. Pineapple fried rice with shrimp, Thai pineapple curry, Thai sweet and sour chicken with pineapple, and pineapple habanero salsa (with a secret ingredient!)
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HOW TO CUT A PINEAPPLE
Cutting a pineapple may seem like such a long and intimidating process, but it’s not. As you practice more, it will get quicker and easier each time.
I've included a few photos that will help you through every step of the way! Think of all these photos as a slow-motion, simple step-by-step guide! Once you get the hang of cutting your pineapple, these steps will come together naturally and quickly!
Step 1. Place the whole pineapple on your cutting board, and slice off the leafy crown and the pineapple bottom with a steady hand. These flat cuts will provide stability for the next steps. Leave the skin intact.
Step 2. Stand the trimmed pineapple upright on its flat base, keeping a firm grip, and carefully slice the fruit in half from top to bottom with your sharp chef's knife. Skin still intact.
Step 3. Next, carefully peel the skin off both pineapple halves with the knife. You'll see the succulent pineapple flesh as you peel the skin.
Step 4. Lay the shaved pineapple piece on its flat side with the core facing down to get ready to remove the eyelets.
Step 5. Cut along the natural pattern of the eyelets in a diagonal line using the tip of your knife. Remove the trimmed pieces and continue until all of the eyelets are gone. Repeat with the other half of the pineapple until you are done.
Step 6. Next, cut both pieces in half to get ready to remove the core. Firmly hold the pineapple and slice off the core from the top to the bottom of the fruit. Repeat on the other half of the pineapple.
Step 7. Lay both pineapple pieces flat on the cutting board. Cut each piece in half one last time. You are near the end! Slice the pineapple pieces into chunks and repeat until all the pieces are cut. You are done and ready to enjoy the work you put into cutting this exotic fruit! That's it!
How to Cut Pineapple Into A Bowl
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 easy step-by-step photo instructions. Let's go make some pineapple bowls!
Step 1. Make sure you have a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. Cut the pineapple in half, slicing from top to bottom of the pineapple. Make sure to cut through the leafy crown part too. Leave the outer peel intact.
Step 2. Place the cut pineapple on its back with the prickly skin down and the yellow flesh facing up. Then make a square cut around the outer edge of the pineapple. Use the knife to cut along the natural curve of the fruit. Cut towards the core of the pineapple with an angle as much as you can without cutting through the skin of the pineapple.
Step 3. Make two vertical cuts like you're cutting around the core of the pineapple. You will feel the core because it’s tougher than the flesh. Wiggle your knife around the core a bit to see if you can loosen the pieces from the pineapple shell.
Step 4. 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. Be careful not to cut through the skin of the pineapple.
Step 5. Use the tip of the knife or a fork to remove the first couple of pieces of the pineapple chunks from the core to help loosen up the flesh. If you didn’t cut the flesh deep enough, you could use the tip of a knife to slice the pineapple chunks into small pieces. Take a first bite of the sweet flesh of this delicious fruit. Super satisfying and refreshing!
Step 6. Remove the remaining sliced chunks and save the pieces for cooking or eating. At this last step, you can also use a spoon and a knife to scoop and scrape 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 Thai pineapple fried rice with a shrimp recipe!
Tips For Cutting Pineapple
- Make sure you use a sharp knife, a strong cutting board, or a sturdy flat surface to cut the pineapple.
- If the pineapple is ripe and juicy, it may be messy. You can use paper towels to wipe off the excess juice and make the pineapple easier to handle.
- Remember, the shape of the pineapple can vary, so adapt your cutting technique accordingly. Choosing a ripe pineapple, indicated by a sweet fragrance and a bit of give when you press on the skin.
- Cutting a pineapple requires no special equipment, just a sharp knife, and a little know-how. With practice, you'll improve your knife skills and be able to cut a pineapple in different ways for various dishes.
- *SUPER TOP TIP*. Leave your pineapple in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cutting it to get the super firm and cold pineapple chunks before eating.
- Or give the whole pineapple an ice bath for about 30 minutes (put the pineapple in a large bowl full of ice water) before cutting to get the crispy cold pineapple. Wipe it dry with paper towels before cutting.
Enjoy your freshly cut pineapple as a refreshing snack, or add it to a fresh fruit salad. Pineapples are available year-round but are in peak season during warm climates.
Recommended Equipment To Cut Pineapple
You will need a sharp knife, a sturdy cutting board, and a pineapple core or slicer.
Storing Fresh Pineapple
To keep your freshly cut pineapple at its best, refrigerate it in an airtight container. Proper storage preserves the fruit's vitamin C and keeps it juicy and delicious for days.
Recipes using Pineapple
- Pineapple Fried Rice. A delicious combination of pineapple, rice, and vegetables stir-fried with soy sauce and spices.
- Thai pineapple With chicken in curry. A flavorful Thai curry made with pineapple chunks, coconut milk, and aromatic spices like galangal, kaffir leaves and lemongrass, and garlic.
- Pineapple Sweet and Sour Stir-Fry. A tangy and sweet stir-fry dish featuring pineapple chunks, bell peppers, onions, and a tasty sauce made with vinegar and sugar.
- Whiskey sour with Pineapple juice. A tasty whiskey using Thai Mekhong whiskey infused with Thai herbs and pineapple juice.
- Grilled shrimp skewers with pineapple. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple and flavorful Chipotle Marinade with a Sweet, tangy, smoky taste.
- Matcha and pineapple smoothie. A refreshing and healthy smoothie made with fresh pineapple and matcha.
- Seared Ono with pineapple salsa. A light and refreshing Hawaiian meal with sony glazed Ono and fresh pineapple salsa
- Pineapple Spring Rolls. Add thinly sliced pineapple pieces in fresh spring rolls in Vietnamese.
- Pineapple vegetarian curry. Add pineapple chunks to a vegetarian-friendly curry dish made with garden vegetables and rice vermicelli noodles in an aromatic blend of Thai spices and coconut milk.
- Pineapple Sticky Rice: A popular Thai dessert with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and sweetened mango slices. Substitute mangoes for pineapple instead to switch things up!
Frequently Asked Questions
While the core is edible, it can be tougher and less sweet than the rest of the fruit. Some people prefer to remove it before eating.
Yes, you can freeze pineapple for later use. Cut it into desired shapes, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 6 months.
Look for a pineapple with a golden color and firm skin. It should also have a sweet aroma at the base.
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!
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion. It also contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Pineapple can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, made salsa with it, used in smoothies, grilled, made cakes like the popular pineapple upside-down cake, or even incorporated into savory dishes like stir-fries or Hawaiian-style pizzas.
MORE THAI RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE
- Pineapple stir fry with chicken
- Pineapple fried rice
- Pineapple with chicken in red curry
- Red curry with Kabocha Squash
- How to cut a Pomelo
- Pomelo salad with shrimp
* Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star ?rating in the recipe card below and a review in the comments section further down the page. Or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram! **
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How to Cut a Pineapple (with Step-by-Step Photos)
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Do you love pineapples but have always been intimidated by how to cut them? In this blog post, I will show you how to cut a pineapple (with step-by-step photos) and turn them into fun and festive pineapple bowls! Get ready to be an expert at cutting your favorite tropical fruit!
Ingredients
- 1 whole pineapple
Instructions
How to cut a pineapple:
Please see the detailed photos in the recipe blog post for a step-by-step visual guide. Think of all these photos as a slow-motion, simple step-by-step guide! Once you get the hang of cutting your pineapple, these steps will come together naturally and quickly!
- Place the whole pineapple on your cutting board, and slice off the leafy crown and the pineapple bottom with a steady hand. These flat cuts will provide stability for the next steps. Leave the skin intact.
- Stand the trimmed pineapple upright on its flat base, keeping a firm grip, and carefully slice the fruit in half from top to bottom with your sharp chef's knife. Skin still intact.
- Next, carefully peel the skin off both pineapple halves with the knife. You'll see the succulent pineapple flesh as you peel the skin.
- Lay the shaved pineapple piece on its flat side with the core facing down to get ready to remove the eyelets.
- Cut along the natural pattern of the eyelets in a diagonal line using the tip of your knife. Remove the trimmed pieces and continue until all of the eyelets are gone. Repeat with the other half of the pineapple until you are done.
- Next, cut both pieces in half to get ready to remove the core. Firmly hold the pineapple and slice off the core from the top to the bottom of the fruit. Repeat on the other half of the pineapple.
- Lay both pineapple pieces flat on the cutting board. Cut each piece in half one last time. You are near the end! Slice the pineapple pieces into chunks and repeat until all the pieces are cut. You are done and ready to enjoy the work you put into cutting this exotic fruit! That's it!
Making 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 easy step-by-step photo instructions. Let's go make some pineapple bowls!
- Make sure you have a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board. Cut the pineapple in half, slicing from top to bottom of the pineapple. Make sure to cut through the leafy crown part too. Leave the outer peel intact.
- Place the cut pineapple on its back with the prickly skin down and the yellow flesh facing up. Then make a square cut around the outer edge of the pineapple. Use the knife to cut along the natural curve of the fruit. Cut towards the core of the pineapple with an angle as much as you can without cutting through the skin of the pineapple.
- Make two vertical cuts like you're cutting around the core of the pineapple. You will feel the core because it’s tougher than the flesh. Wiggle your knife around the core a bit to see if you can loosen the pieces from the pineapple shell.
- 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. Be careful not to cut through the skin of the pineapple.
- Use the tip of the knife or a fork to remove the first couple of pieces of the pineapple chunks from the core to help loosen up the flesh. If you didn’t cut the flesh deep enough, you could use the tip of a knife to slice the pineapple chunks into small pieces. Take a first bite of the sweet flesh of this delicious fruit. Super satisfying and refreshing!
- Remove the remaining sliced chunks and save the pieces for cooking or eating. At this last step, you can also use a spoon and a knife to scoop and scrape 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 Thai pineapple fried rice with shrimp recipe!
Notes
- Make sure you use a sharp knife, a strong cutting board, or a sturdy flat surface to cut the pineapple.
- If the pineapple is ripe and juicy, it may be messy. You can use paper towels to wipe off the excess juice and make the pineapple easier to handle.
- Remember, the shape of the pineapple can vary, so adapt your cutting technique accordingly. Choosing a ripe pineapple, indicated by a sweet fragrance and a bit of give when you press on the skin.
- Cutting a pineapple requires no special equipment, just a sharp knife, and a little know-how. With practice, you'll improve your knife skills and be able to cut a pineapple in different ways for various dishes.
- *SUPER TOP TIP*. Leave your pineapple in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before cutting it to get the super firm and cold pineapple chunks before eating.
- Or give the whole pineapple an ice bath for about 30 minutes (put the pineapple in a large bowl full of ice water) before cutting to get the crispy cold pineapple. Wipe it dry with paper towels before cutting.
** Thank you so much for visiting my blog! This is truly a passion for me. If you have enjoyed these recipes and appreciate the hard work I put into them, I would love it if you would share them with your friends! Your recommendation is the highest review I could hope for, and I’d appreciate it! **
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Kitchen resources
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Thai
NOTES**
I recently updated this blog post with easier instructions. Save these previous photo collages as your guide for cutting your pineapple.
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