FOOD

Steps to a Perfectly Cut Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is one of the most delicious treats that both kids and adults love. The idea of cutting a pineapple is dreadful though. I remember the first time I tried to cut a pineapple but the first try is not always lucky. With a little practice, I have finally mastered the art of cutting and serving pineapples. I watched tons of tutorials and now I am ready to share my tips with you.

First of all, make sure you buy a ripe pineapple. Wrinkled skin is a sign of overripe fruit. If the bottom of pineapple smells fermented it is also a sign of overripe fruit. Pineapple is ripe when it is firm and smells like a pineapple. Don’t buy a green pineapple too. Once you get a ripe pineapple, use these 10 tips to cut and serve it.

1. Slice off the top of the pineapple

Place the pineapple on its side on a chopping block or a cutting board, slice off the top of the pineapple close to the crown. Use a sharp knife in case you do not have a pineapple knife.

2. Slice off the bottom of the pineapple

Use a sharp knife to carefully slice off the bottom of the pineapple. Half inch will be enough, do not cut too much.

3. Cut away the skin

Working your way around the pineapple, carefully slice away the skin. Make sure there is no pale brown or dark green skin remaining. However, do not trim too much. Also, do not bother to remove the eyes, you will do it in the next 2 steps.

4. Determine the pattern

Now that you have a pineapple dotted with the eyes, it is time to determine the pattern in them. Using a sharp knife, slightly mark out the parallel diagonal lines that connect all the pineapple’s eyes.

5. Remove the eyes

Start removing the eyes in a single wedge, carefully carving out each eye. Or, create a diagonal cut across the side of the pineapple, and cut out all of the eyes in one gulp. If you want to avoid wasting some pieces of pineapple, then opt for a carving-out-each-eye method.

6. Cut the pineapple in half

Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, and then in half again to get 4 quarters, or in half again to get 6 quarters. Do it carefully and do not cut anything else.

7. Remove the core

Carefully remove the solid inner section of pineapple. Make sure you determine where it starts to get tough and remove the solid section only.

8. Make the final cuts

Using a sharp knife, cut each wedge into 3/4 inch rounds or into bite-sized pieces about an inch in width. If you are going to make pineapple rings, then skip the step 7.

9. Serve and enjoy

Serve your pineapple alone, with cheese, make kebabs, mix with jalapenos and avocado, or add it to a fresh fruit salad. Oatmeal junkies add pineapple to their oatmeal. Regardless of how you serve it, you will never go wrong with pineapple.

Pineapple is a healthy, juicy, tasty and simply delicious fruit that many people love. There are many delicious ways and reasons to eat it every day. Now that you know how to cut a pineapple, you may want to experiment with this fruit more often. The great news is that a pineapple is available all year round, albeit the peak season is from March to July. So, pineapple junkies, what is your favorite way to consume the fruit?