How to Cut a Pineapple Like You Totally Know What You’re Doing
Let’s be honest—learning how to cut a pineapple can feel like wrestling a spiky tropical porcupine. But don’t worry, I’ve got you! If you’ve ever avoided buying a fresh one because you weren’t sure how to get into it (without calling in backup), this simple step-by-step guide will show you how to cut a pineapple like you totally know what you’re doing. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think, and way tastier than the canned stuff.
I’ll admit it—I’m a little cautious when it comes to pre-cut fruit at the store. Maybe it’s just me, but I like to know exactly how my fresh fruits (and meats) are handled. That’s one reason I don’t mind cutting up a pineapple myself. Sure, it takes a couple extra minutes, but I know it’s clean, fresh, and done right. Plus, the taste of a just-cut pineapple is so much better than anything that’s been sitting in a plastic tub.
How to Tell If a Pineapple Is Ripe (Spoiler: The Leaf Trick Isn’t Foolproof!)
First things first—how do you pick out a pineapple that’s actually ready to cut? I’ve seen the tip about pulling on the leaves: if one comes out easily, it’s ripe. Well… that’s never worked for me. I’ve had pineapples that were totally underripe and some that were already heading toward mush, and the leaf still wouldn’t budge. So, I did a little digging—and here’s what the internet sleuths (and a few produce pros) say to look for:
Color: A ripe pineapple usually has more golden yellow on the skin, especially toward the base. Green can mean it’s not quite ready.
Smell: Give it a sniff at the bottom. A sweet, fruity smell means it’s ripe. No smell? Not ready. Sour or fermented? Too late.
Feel: It should have a little give when you press on it—firm but not rock hard.
Weight: A heavier pineapple usually means it’s juicier, which is a good sign.
Trust your nose and your hands more than the leaf trick—it turns out that tip is a little hit-or-miss.
jeannie
Step 1: Chop Off the Ends and Trim the Sides
Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple. This gives you a flat surface to stand it upright so it’s easier (and safer) to slice.
Next, stand it up and carefully slice downward along the sides to remove the skin. You’ll need to cut deep enough to get rid of those little brown spots—yes, they’re called eyes! This is where a lot of us go wrong the first time. I definitely used to try and save every last bite of pineapple, making my cuts way too shallow. But trust me: if you want smooth, juicy bites (and not chewy, pokey bits), you’ve got to let go of that “fruit saver” mindset and make peace with deeper cuts.
Step 2: Cut into Quarters and Remove the Core
Now that the outside is trimmed, let’s keep going with this fresh pineapple. Slice it lengthwise into four quarters. This step makes it so much easier to handle and is a big part of learning how to cut a pineapple the easy way.
Each quarter will have a strip of the core running down the center—it’s the firmer, fibrous part that’s a little too tough to enjoy as-is. If you’re into juicing, the core might be useful for that. But honestly, I usually just cut it out and toss it. To remove it, just make a simple angled cut down each quarter to slice it away. Boom—pineapple prepped and ready for the fun part: the chunks!
Step 3: Slice into Bite-Sized Chunks
Now for the easy part! Take those long pieces and slice them into bite-sized chunks. You can make them as big or small as you like—whatever works for snacking, salads, or recipes. And just like that, you’ve finished learning how to cut a pineapple without any stress (or bandaids!).
Once it’s all chopped up, store your pineapple in a covered container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 4–5 days—but honestly, it probably won’t last that long!
Too Much Trouble? Let the Pig Handle It!
And hey—if all else fails and you’re just not feeling up to cutting it yourself, there’s no shame in taking a shortcut. If you live anywhere near me, just run by the Pig (our local Piggly Wiggly). They’ll cut your pineapple into spears or chunks for you, no questions asked and no extra charge. You still get that fresh pineapple taste—without the knife work!
Got a Kitchen Shortcut You Swear By?
I’d love to hear it! Whether it’s your go-to way to cut fruit, a trick for peeling garlic, or something that just makes life easier in the kitchen—drop it in the comments or send me a message. I’m always up for learning a new shortcut (and I know other readers are too)!
