How to Cut a Pineapple

Ripe, juicy, pineapples are available year round. They’re easy to cut with a few simple steps and within minutes you’ll be enjoying the sweet taste of Hawaii.

The year I got married, my husband and I were lucky enough to win a trip to Hawaii! One of the places we visited on that trip, 34 years ago, was the Dole Plantation. While we were at the plantation, we attended a demonstration on how to cut a pineapple. I’ve been cutting them that way (with a few minor changes) ever since.

Recently I watched a video on how to cut a pineapple, and when she was showing her technique, I thought that’s not the way to cut a pineapple. I didn’t realize that there was another “right way” to cut a pineapple. So today, I thought I’d share my “right way” to cut a pineapple.

First, select a pineapple that is firm and smells and looks fresh. You don’t want a strong pineapple smell because it may be over ripe. Pineapples are picked ripe so if you’re not eating it right away you should refrigerate it.

Step 1: Twist off the top.

Step 2: Cut off the top and bottom. (I added this step so I can stand up the pineapple to cut it and I get more evenly space sections.)

Step 3: Cut the pineapple into quarters.

Step 4: Cut each quarter in half, so you have eight sections. (Cutting it into eighths makes it easier to remove the skin without cutting away too much pineapple or leaving too many eyes.)

Step 5: Cut off the core.

Step 6: Cut off the skin.

Step 7: Cut into cubes.

We like to eat pineapple as an appetizer before dinner. We also love it grilled. The caramelize grilled pineapple is so sweet and juicy. Just be sure and put it on a hot, clean grill and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Fresh pineapple recipes you might enjoy:

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, Barbara Bakes
Pina Colada Cupcakes, Tracey’s Culinary Adventures
Strawberry Pineapple Crumble, Joy the Baker
Grilled Pineapple Salsa, Closet Cooking
Pineapple Upside Down Banana Pancakes, Apron Strings