How to Cut a Pineapple, Whether You Want Rings, Spears, or Chunks
Follow these our simple steps to cut the prickly tropical fruit the right way.
What's not to love about the pineapple? This sweet tropical fruit has an almost citrusy sharpness and intense fruity perfume. It's wonderful in desserts and fruit salads and also works well in savory recipes, from salsas and marinades to pork and seafood dishes. If you've been too intimidated to buy a whole pineapple and cut it into rings, spears, or chunks, we're here to help. Follow these simple steps, and you'll quickly learn how to cut a pineapple. No more buying the fruit precut; soon you'll be able to impress friends and family by adeptly cutting a whole pineapple into neat, juicy pieces.
Johnny Miller
Related: How to Cut a Mango
Choosing a Pineapple
Pineapples do not ripen once picked, so look for fruit that's heavy for its size, fragrant (it should smell sweet and slightly fruity), and golden in color. A bit of green is fine but pass over any fruits that are black or soft in spots.
Tools You'll Need
A serrated knife will make quick work of both the pineapple's tough outer skin and sweet interior flesh
A sharp paring knife (or melon baller) to remove the "eyes"
Chopping board
How to Peel a Pineapple
Follow these steps for peeling a pineapple in preparation for cutting it:
Start by slicing off the leaves from the pineapple. Alternatively, use your hands to twist them off.
Using the serrated knife, trim about 1/2-inch in on both ends of the pineapple to make it flat, then stand the fruit on one end.
Following the contour of the fruit, slice off the skin, taking care to stay as close to the skin as possible. (The sweetest part of the fruit is closest to the skin.)
If there are pineapple "eyes" revealed after peeling the fruit, use a sharp paring knife or melon baller to remove them, working in a circular motion.
Tips
Save the pineapple top for a garnish, if appropriate.
How to Cut Pineapple Rings
Once your pineapple is peeled, follow these steps to cut it into rings:
Lay the fruit on its side.
Slice the pineapple crosswise into rounds, making them as thick or thin as you'd like.
If you are serving pineapple rings, use a biscuit cutter or large icing tip to punch out the hard core from each slice.
How to Cut Pineapple Spears, Wedges, or Chunks
Here are the steps for cutting a pineapple into spears or chunks:
Halve the peeled pineapple lengthwise through the core, then halve lengthwise again.
Remove the fibrous center core from each section of the fruit.
Lie the pineapple flat and cut into spears or wedges.
For chunks, cut the spears into smaller equal-sized pieces.
Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
