Cutting a pineapple is easy, when you follow these simple steps! A sharp knife, cutting board, and whole pineapple is all you’ll need. I even provide helpful tips on picking out a perfectly ripe pineapple, and what to do with it once it’s cut!

cut pineapple in a bowl with limes on the side

How To Select The Perfect Pineapple

Color: Every pineapple starts off green, and turns yellow as it ripens. Therefore, a pineapple with a more yellow skin will be sweeter, and more ripe!
Smell: I never buy a pineapple before smelling it! There’s so much to learn about how ripe a pineapple is based on its scent. So pick up that pineapple and give it a big ole’ whiff. If the pineapple smells sweet and like ..well, pineapple… then it’s perfectly ripe! Though if the pineapple has no smell at all, then it’s not yet ripe.
Leaves: The last step to ensuring your pineapple is ripe and ready to be cut, is by checking the leaves. Give those long, tough leaves at the top of the pineapple a gentle tug, and if they come away easily, then your pineapple is definitely ripe. If the leaves are a challenge to pull, then the pineapple likely isn’t yet ripe.

Is Pineapple Healthy?

Sure is! Pineapple is pretty much bursting with nutrients. Just one cup of cut pineapple will fill you with fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, potassium, etc. Fresh pineapple is loaded with health benefits, including, but not limited to:

aids digestion (thank you, fiber!)
fights diseases (hello antioxidants!)
reduces inflammation
increases immunity
and may even reduce your risk of cancer!

How To Store Cut Pineapple

Freshly cut pineapple should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Pineapple will stay fresh for up to five days. If you don’t anticipate eating your cut pineapple within that timeframe, then I recommend freezing it instead. Similarly, store it in an airtight container in the freezer, where it will stay good for up to three months.

How to Cut a Pineapple

Print Recipe

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Servings servings

Ingredients

1 whole pineapple

Method

Lay the pineapple on its side on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to slice off both the top and bottom ends.
Next, stand the pineapple back up and slice off the skin, sliding your knife from top to bottom, following the shape of the pineapple.
Once skin is removed, keep the pineapple standing up and cut it into four quarters – one slice lengthwise and the other crosswise.
Lay each quarter of the pineapple down on the cutting board, with one of the cut side on the board. Angle your knife inwards to slice and remove the core from the pineapple, then repeat for other three pieces.
Last, slice each quarter in half lengthwise before making crosswise cuts to create bite-sized pineapple chunks.