If you are a fan of fresh pineapple, then this tutorial for How to Cut a Pineapple is going to change how you view the prickly on the outside sweet on the inside fruit. Pineapple is full of incredible nutrients, anti-inflammatories, and of course, incredible flavor. These tips will help you add this to your menu more often!

How To Cut A Pineapple

The simple steps below are just what you need to turn that pineapple into a recipe ingredient instead of a paperweight on your counter.

If you’ve ever struggled to cut a pineapple, or even had one go bad because you put off cutting it, this is your solution.

Follow this easy method and you’ll begin buying more and more fresh pineapples to add to your menu.

Step 1 Remove Crown

With a sharp knife, you will cut off the leaf green crown of the pineapple.

The pineapple crown cut from a fresh pineapple

Step 2 Remove Bottom

Next, you will cut the bottom of the pineapple off creating two even surfaces on top and bottom. This gives you a steady surface to cut off the skin.

Step 3 Peel Skin

Now, we will learn how to peel a pineapple. Place the pineapple upright, and cut the skin off exposing the “eye” or brown spots on the pineapple. You will see that the eyes are in diagonal rows on the pineapple.

Step by step image how to cut a pineapple slice skin on sides.

Step 4 Remove Row Of Eyes

Lay the pineapple onto its side. You may want to use a smaller knife or paring knife to slice on one side of the row of eyes if you’re not comfortable with a larger chef’s knife, and then on the other side.

This will create a “v” shape around the eye allowing you to remove it easily so that the sharp bits are not in your pineapple pieces.

Photo of fresh pineapple cutting in V to remove the eyes

Step 5 Cut Into Rings

Now, you will slice the pineapple into rings that are ¼”-½” thick.

Step 6 Remove Core

This step shows you how to core pineapple without any fancy tools. Use a small metal cookie cutter or an apple corer to remove the core from the center of each of the pineapple rings.

Cutting the core of the pineapple with a cookie cutter

Step 7 Cut Into Chunks

Now you can cut the pineapple into chunks or small pieces for snacking or use within recipes.

sliced pineapple rings on a brown wood plate — Sliced Pineapple Rings

Cutting pineapple rings into chunks — Sliced Pineapple Rings

How Long Is Fresh Pineapple Good For?

A fresh pineapple that is ripe is typically good for 3-5 days when refrigerated. If your pineapple is already very ripe when you slice it, you will probably want to use it within 1-2 days.

If you have excess pineapple and know you can’t eat it before it spoils, the great thing is pineapple freezes beautifully.

First flash freeze the pineapple by laying the pieces flat on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Then remove and put in a plastic freezer bag and label with the date and what is in the bag.

This flash freeze method keeps the fruit from sticking together in one big blob. Use this method for all cut up fruits and vegetables.

It will be good for 4-6 months in your freezer!

What Are The Benefits Of Pineapple?

Pineapple is loaded with vitamin C, but it’s also a wonderful source of bromelain which is a natural anti-inflammatory. It is also full of antioxidants to fight off disease, and even has special enzymes that aid in digestion.

Not only is it delicious, it is full of great things that only add healthy benefits to your diet.

Great Recipes For Fresh Pineapple

Now that you have cut your pineapple into pieces, you can crush it too. Add to any number of recipes. I love adding it to both sweet and savory dishes.

Below are some of my favorite recipes that are made even more delicious with fresh pineapple.