When I make my weekly trek to Whole Paychex, there is a 90% chance you will see a container of diced pineapple in the cart in addition to the SousPug’s diced watermelon and honeydew melon. I love to keep it in the fridge to snack on, especially in the spring and summer months and it’s great with homemade yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. I also keep some canned pineapple in the pantry for some slow cooker dishes, like my Honey Garlic Chicken, but, in my opinion, there is nothing like the taste of fresh pineapple. Whenever I would see ripe pineapples standing at attention in the grocery store, I thought “Meh – I don’t have TIME to cut up a WHOLE pineapple – I’m BUSY! Heck – I don’t even know HOW to cut a pineapple!”
Recently, while doing my grocery shopping, I did my usual circle to the produce cooler to pick up the containers of diced fruit. While moseying over to grab a bag of cherries, another favorite must-have, I noticed that the whole pineapple was almost the same price as my little teeny container of diced pineapple goodness. The decision was made – I had to face my fear of the pineapple and in the cart it went, sending the teeny container of diced pineapple back to the shelf for another customer to love.
Can I confess something – I. Was. Stupid! Seriously – the hardest part was resisting the urge to eat the whole bowl. So simple and, for those others that fear the pineapple, let me show you how easy it is to go from one big pineapple to your own large container of diced pineapple sweetness.
Gather your tools: Pineapple, Sharp Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board. How easy is that?
I switched out the cutting board for a plastic one in case it got TOO juicy. Time to cut off the stem in one swoop. Also, you need to cut off the base to make a solid surface.
Using your knife, cut down the sides, removing the rind and eyes.
See that core – you don’t want to eat that. It can be really bitter.
Slice into quarters, around the core, much like you would do with a mango and then dice. It’s that easy.
Mmmmmmm… Pineapple.
Have you ever sliced and diced a pineapple? Have any tips and tricks to share?
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Twitter: one_curly_fry
says:
I love Pineapple. I have one of these bad boys…
http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=749720#axzz20oUqnssI
jen recently posted..The Best Homemade Sweet ‘n Sour Chicken in the Whole Wide World
Ohhhh – I like that toy! Might have to order one. Yes, I’m a bit of a gadget addict
Twitter: bigbearswife
says:
I love fresh Pineapple. I have not bought one in a long time, but when I was younger my dad use to cut up fresh pineapple all of the time. Love them
Angie recently posted..Chicken Mashed Potato Bowl
Fresh pineapple is really the best, no?
Twitter: laphemmephoodie
says:
I have to admit I have never taken the time to learn how to properly cut pineapple. I know I didn’t do it as gracefully as you have laid out. Thanks for a great tutorial!
La Phemme Phoodie recently posted..Power Cooler Smoothie
Awww – thanks but I can assure you, cutting was not so graceful
Twitter: motherrimmy
says:
Terrific directions. I cut melons the same way. It’s simple and quick.
Kristi Rimkus recently posted..The Freshest Berries Come From My Local Farmers’ Markets and a Blog Hop
Ohhh – another project. I haven’t cut a melon in… wow… hmmm… you know, that’s another container I purchase. Time to try the fresh version
LOL, you make it look so easy. You bring me back to the first time I ever tried to cut a pineapple. I had no idea what I was doing, but managed through with a few pieces to spare afterwards
Jamie recently posted..Making the MOST of your VACATION photos!
The key for me was a VERY sharp knife. I kept trying to make sure I got all of the pesky eyes
Twitter: AmandaRCochrane
says:
This looks delicious!
Amanda Rose recently posted..Turning Over a New Leaf
It was – wait til you see what I did with it
Aly, great article very clear and concise the step by step photos are great. Now all you need is a few slices of prosciutto di Parma to wrap around your pineapple pieces and a nice crisp chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
You know – I never would think to add prosciutto di parma to that. Brilliant!!!
Twitter: mrsgitch
says:
You can totally eat the pineapple core! As long as the pineapple is ripe, it should be just as sweet. It’s just a lot more fibrous, so it’s not as good eating as the rest. However, if you have a good blender, it can be cut up and put in a smoothie.