How to Cut a Pineapple

Have you ever examined a pineapple up close? All those tiny bumps on the skin are actually multiple small fruit-producing flowers that have been merged into one large fruit.

Use your nose to spot a ripe pineapple! If the smell takes you to an imaginary tropical island, it's ready for you to enjoy. Also, try and pull one of the leaves from the center of the crown, it should pop right out when ripe. A pineapple rarely continues to ripen once they've been harvested so if you have commitment issues, you might be better off with the precut options.

Use pineapple in drinks, smoothies, salsas, and salads! It also gives a nice sweet flavor to savory foods like this Sweet and Sour Pork, and pizza (Hawaiian anyone?).

Ingredients
- Pineapple 1

Instructions

How to Peel a Pineapple

Place the pineapple on a cutting board on its side.

With a sharp knife, cut off the crown and trim about 1/4-inch off the bottom to create a flat surface.

Flip the pineapple from its side to stand upright, making sure you have a stable grip.

Start cutting away the thick peel, working your way around the whole pineapple until all peel is removed.
How to Dice a Pineapple

Follow the instructions on how to peel a pineapple.

Holding the pineapple upright, cut the fruit into large wedges, going around the thick and fibrous core. You can discard the core or use it in smoothies.

Place the fruit halves, flat side down, and start slicing lengthwise. The number of incisions is dependent on how big you wish the dice to be.

Continue to cut crosswise to form dice.