How to Cut a Pineapple
The Easiest Ways to Cut a Pineapple
In 17th-century America, the pineapple was a sign of hospitality. Since the fruit had to travel long distances, it was seen as a great delicacy. So why can it feel like such a—dare we say— inhospitable fruit? Fear not. Pineapple isn’t actually difficult to cut up. These four easy methods for cutting a pineapple (into rings, long quarters or planks, small segments, and the famous viral pineapple hack from TikTok) will make it easy to break into the spiky fruit. Note: You can refrigerate prepped pineapple in an airtight container for up to three days.
How to Remove Pineapple Skin
4 Easy Ways to Cut a Pineapple
1. Cut a Pineapple Into Rings
Lay the pineapple down on the cutting board and cut perpendicular to the core (the white, fibrous circle at the center of the fruit). Use a biscuit cutter to remove the core on each slice, then serve or proceed with your recipe. Rings make for easy grilled pineapple—and they’re a must on pineapple upside-down cake.
2. Create Long, Wide Planks
Slice vertically just next to the pale, circular core. Turn the pineapple again and repeat until you have four planks. Discard the pineapple core or use it (along with the outermost peels) to make a Mexican drink like tepache, and simply grill your planks.
3. Chunk Your Pineapple
Chop the long planks into thinner spears. For smaller pieces, slice the spears lengthwise, then crosswise to make about 1-inch chunks. Chop even finer for a pineapple salsa or leave in bigger pieces to make smoothies.
4. Try the Viral “How to Cut a Pineapple” Hack
Remember the TikTok trend of people eating pineapple with their hands like candy, ripping chunks right from the core without any chopping? It’s possible, but you need a very ripe pineapple. First, twist and pull to remove the prickly top. Tap the base of the fruit on a flat surface a few times, turning it as you go. Now, use your thumb and forefinger to firmly grasp one of the small vertical spikes and pull to remove a small section (which is the size of a typical pineapple chunk). Eat the fruity bits, tossing the rind, until the pineapple is gone.
How Do You Know When a Pineapple Is Ready to Cut?
