How To…Cut a Pineapple!

It’s Pineapple season friends so take full advantage while you can through June. In my experience of observing people cut pineapples, it always look so frustrating and tedious.  I always think to myself; is it really that hard? But after inquiring from friends and strangers, it seems to be no easy task if you’re not familiar with fabricating whole fruits.

Helpful Hints: Sniff the Pineapple to check for ripeness, if no sweet aroma, move on. Or place the pineapple on its head (Yes, you will balance it on the leaves, it can be done) to allow the sugar to flow to the top and not the bottom where it will ferment. This may take a couple of days. You don’t want a very green pineapple there should be some color differentiation. yellowish, orangish, and reddish.

I hope to present it in a simple DIY format so you don’t have to waste your money on the pre-cut stuff that wastes 35% or more of the fruit; or so you don’t have to purchase that lame canned stuff….grossies! (Sorry, fruit salad making grandmas)

Well, first things first. Grab a moist towel and place beneath your cutting board to prevent sliding. A sharp knife and some patience, no blood should be involved.

2. Cut 1/4 of an inch off the top and bottom. Remember we don’t want to lose too much of the fruit so don’t get carried away.

3. You’re going to cut down the sides but take your time. A good starting point is the black eyes at the top of the pineapple. You only want to go about a 1/4 of an inch in and you can judge by seeing how clean your sides are as you move around. You’re trying to remove the eyes from the sides because their not pleasant.

3b. This is your final product after you remove the sides. A clean exterior and if any eyes remain slowly shave down the side until it is removed or pluck it out with the tip of a potato peeler or knife if you’re skilled enough.

4. Next, we are simply slicing the pineapple down the center of the core evenly in the center. Lie the pineapple core facing down.

4b. Then, cut the these sides in half again down the center so that you have 4 equal segments.

5. You are going to cut the core from the center because the flavor typically isn’t pleasing to the palette. But I do enjoy nibbling on them for the little fruit that is left on it!…So Good!

This is what you’re looking for once all the cores are removed.

6. We are going to cut the segments in half.

6b. And last but not least, you are going to cut the pineapple into bite sizes pieces of your own preference. I prefer the bite size because they are perfect for dipping.

My wife and I are fans of dipping our pineapple into Lemon Pudding, 0r Cream Cheese Fruit Dip, but to each its own.

Here’s a little recipe for fruit dip if you prefer. This stuff is really good as well!

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

4 oz. Cream Cheese

2 oz. vanilla yogurt (I prefer Dannon or Land O Lakes)

1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

smidge of salt

1. Whip the cream cheese till smooth in standard kitchen aid mixer, or if you choose to work on your fitness use a wooden spoon to smooth out.

2. Mix in powdered sugar to cream cheese until dissolved, then fold in yogurt, extract, and salt. Enjoy!