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How to Cut a Pineapple

Instructions for Judging Ripeness and Slicing Pineapples

Apr 6, 2009 Jenny Evans

Many people aren't sure how to choose a ripe pineapple at the store or how to cut it open once they get it home. Learn all about the versatile fruit in this article.

Nothing can compare in taste to a sweet, fresh pineapple. It's a great pizza topping, marinade, side dish, or healthy dessert. But you need to know how to spot a ripe pineapple when you see one, and you need to know how to cut it in order to get the most out of your fruit.

Signs of a Ripe Pineapple

Because they lack starch reserves, pineapples do not ripen very much after being picked. In the store, you should select a pineapple that has a sweet smell and golden color. A very green pineapple will never become sweet.

Some sources say that a pineapple whose leaves at the crown come out easily when plucked is ripe, but the smell of a pineapple is the best indicator of ripeness.

How to Cut a Pineapple

Since the sugar in pineapples tends to settle toward the bottom of the fruit as it stands there waiting to be cut, it's recommended to turn your pineapple upside down for 30 minutes before you plan to cut it.

There are a lot of different ways to cut open a pineapple, but this method is by far the easiest:

Grab the crown of spiky leaves, twist, and pull. It should come out in one piece if your pineapple is ripe.
Put the pineapple on its side. Cut off 3/4" at each end with a sharp chef's knife.
Turn the pineapple right side up again (it will easily stand up now that the ends are flat) and begin shaving off vertical sections along the sides of the pineapple. The finished shape of the pineapple will resemble an octagon.
Use the end of a vegetable peeler to pry out any remaining eyes (the little brown nubs) in the fruit.
Turn your pineapple on its side again and make slices of about 3/4" thick.
The hard, circular core in the middle of each ring will be a darker yellow color. This core is inedible, so use a paring knife to cut it out and discard.
If desired, you can cut each ring into several bite-sized chunks for eating.

Health Benefits of Pineapples

Pineapple fruit contains bromelain, a protein-splitting enzyme that aids digestion. Bromelain is also effective at killing parasites like worms. Pineapple is also a great source of vitamins A and C.

Pineapples are popular fruits because of their distinctive taste. Pineapples combine sweet and tangy flavors, and the best way to enjoy them is fresh. Pick a ripe pineapple at the grocery store and follow these instructions to enjoy its delicious taste and healthy benefits.

The copyright of the article How to Cut a Pineapple in Seasonal Cooking is owned by Jenny Evans. Permission to republish How to Cut a Pineapple in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A Pineapple Ready to be Sliced and Eaten