Fresh pineapple is so much better than canned! So don't let the tough prickly skin keep you from the delicious sweet fruit inside. In this video, you'll learn how to cut up a pineapple, including tips for removing the skin and tough inner core. All you need is a cutting board and a sharp chef's knife. To make pieces for fruit salads, cut the long strips into bite-size pieces. To make pineapple rings, start with the peeled pineapple column. Lay it on its side, and cut into rounds. Then remove the tough inner core with a circular cookie cutter -- or slice the rounds in half and use a melon baller (this best seller from OXO is just $10). Place the pineapple on its side on a large cutting board. Secure the pineapple with one hand and using a large, sturdy chef's knife to slice off the top (approximately 1/2-inch from where the green crown and pineapple flesh meet). Slice off the bottom. Rotate the pineapple and trim approximately 1/2-inch from the bottom of the pineapple.
Cut the pineapple into chunks. Stand the pineapple up and cut it into quarters length-wise. Cut the core from each quarter of pineapple, and then cut each quarter in half length-wise again. Lay each of the strips down and slice them into chunks. Cut the bottom off the pineapple, about half an inch from the end. Stand your pineapple upright on the cutting board, and use your knife to shave the skin off the pineapple. Try not to cut off more fruit than necessary, but try to get most of the eyes.
Now the pineapple is ready to cut further. There are several ways to make the final cuts of the pineapple, depending how you are serving it. If you want rounds, just lay the pineapple on its side and cut it into 3/4 inch rounds. For rings, cut out the tough core. 2. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.
To prepare a pineapple, you should first remove its rind and leafy, sharp crown. To do so, lay your pineapple on its side. I have always seen my family and Laotian people cut pineapples in the same way. 1. By Scent: Like several types of fruit, scent can be important when selecting for ripeness. A ripe pineapple should smell sweet and fruity near the stem/'butt' end (not the spiky crown end). Avoid pineapples that have little to no scent or even smell slightly fermented/alcoholic.
Learn the easiest and quickest way to cut a pineapple. Store your cut pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy all week long.
Step 5. Using your knife, cut each half of the pineapple again from the top down through the center of the core. At this point you have four pieces of pineapple that sort of resemble a triangle shape. Step 6. To cut out the core, stand each piece upright and use your knife to slice downward. Use a sharp chef's knife or a serrated knife to trim off the top, being cautious with the stiff, pointy leaves. Then cut off the base of the pineapple so that it will stand up straight.