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Learn how to cut a pineapple for any recipe! This step-by-step guide and video show the easiest way to cut this tropical fruit, leaving you with perfectly bite-sized pieces.

Video: How to cut a pineapple

Wondering how to cut a pineapple? Here’s a great method for easily cutting a whole pineapple, which can be a daunting task! We use this method for serving it in fruit skewers or pineapple salsa. Grab your knife and let’s get started with this step by step guide!

How to cut a pineapple step by step

Step 1: Use a large chef’s knife to cut off the top of the pineapple.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Cut off the top
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Step 2 (optional): Turn the pineapple upside down and place it on a plate; allow it to rest 30 minutes. Since pineapples are stored stem side up, gravity makes the juices run to the bottom. Resting the pineapple upside down for 30 minutes helps the juices to run back down and distribute for evenly juicy pieces.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Rest for 30 minutes upside down

Step 3: After 30 minutes, cut off the other end of the pineapple.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Cut off end

Step 4: Remove the skin of the pineapple by slicing it off, following the shape of the pineapple.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Remove skin

Step 5: Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Cut in half

Step 6: Lay down each pineapple half on the flat cut side, and cut it in half lengthwise again.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Cut in half again

Step 7: Remove the core by cutting it out at an angle.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Remove core at an angle

Step 8a: Slice each quarter in half lengthwise.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Slice lengthwise

Step 8b: Then turn it and slice in the other direction to create pineapple chunks.

How to Cut a Pineapple | Slice into pieces

And there you have it: how to cut pineapple in 8 steps! Let us know if you try our method for how to cut pineapple and how it goes in the comments below.

Tip: use a great chef knife

A good knife can drastically improve your time in the kitchen! We’ve had our chef knives for over 10 years and they still work great. Our favorite knife is this 7″ Chef’s Knife. For safe storage, you can use a drawer knife organizer like this one. Make sure to keep your knives sharpened using a local service or home knife sharpener.

More videos: Knife Skills 101!

Ways to use pineapple

Now that you know how to cut pineapple, here are some of our favorite pineapple recipes for you to try:

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell where the core is in a pineapple?

Look for the tough, spiky leaves at the top. The core runs directly down the center from the base to the top. You can often see a slightly lighter colored line going down the center of the fruit as well.

What’s the best way to remove the core?

Cut the pineapple in half or quarters, then slice off the core from each piece.

My pineapple isn’t perfectly ripe. Can I still cut it?

Yes, but it might be a bit trickier. A less ripe pineapple will be harder to cut and may not yield as much juicy flesh. If you must use a not-so-ripe pineapple, focus on the core removal method that keeps the fruit in larger pieces, minimizing waste.

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How to Cut a Pineapple (Easy & Quick!)

How to Cut a Pineapple
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Learn how to cut a pineapple for any recipe! This step-by-step guide and video show the easiest way to cut this tropical fruit, leaving you with perfectly bite-sized pieces.

  • Author: Sonja
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 5 cups 1x
  • Category: Knife Skills
  • Method: Cutting
  • Cuisine: N/A

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pineapple

Instructions

  1. Use a large chef’s knife to cut off the top of the pineapple.
  2. Turn the pineapple upside down and place it on a plate; allow it to rest 30 minutes. Since pineapples are stored stem side up, gravity makes the juices run to the bottom. Resting the pineapple upside down for 30 minutes helps the juices to run back down and distribute for evenly juicy pieces. 
  3. After 30 minutes, cut off the other end of the pineapple.
  4. Remove the skin of the pineapple by slicing it off, following the shape of the pineapple. 
  5. Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. 
  6. Lay down each pineapple half on the flat cut side, and cut it in half lengthwise again. 
  7. Remove the core by cutting it out at an angle. 
  8. Slice each quarter in half lengthwise, then turn it and slice in the other direction to create pineapple chunks.

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About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of the acclaimed cookbooks A Couple Cooks and Pretty Simple Cooking—and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share seasonal recipes and the joy of home cooking. Now, we’ve got over 3,000 well-tested recipes, including Mediterranean diet, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, smoothies, cocktails, and more!

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14 Comments

  1. patricia rebuck says:

    I bought the pineapple for colds and congestion How do you prepare it for this to get the juices. I always bought canned and never fresh

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      Hi! You can just blend in a blender and then strain the pulp out.

  2. Jim campbell says:

    First pineapple I cut. Your instructions were perfect. thanks a bunch.

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      You’re welcome!

  3. Howard Quillin says:

    Ditto on great “how to”! Is it best to Store cut pieces refrigerated or room temp.?

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      Once cut, store covered in the fridge :)

  4. HollyG says:

    Thank you for the concise, succinct video on how to cut a pineapple. There seems to be a lot of waste with this fruit, however. Just my observation which has nothing to do with your wonderful video.

  5. Eric says:

    Thank you for the concise video explanation. I love when recipe providers get right to the point (yes, I know this isn’t a recipe). I bookmarked this page because I know I’ll be coming back again in the future. Thanks again!

  6. Eric says:

    I’ve just completed the “cut off the top” stage and while I have 30 minutes to spare I just wanted to thank you for this brief, concise, and very helpful explanation.

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      You’re welcome!

  7. Gunner says:

    Hi guys, big fan. Could you also just cut around the core after you’ve skinned the pineapple instead of having to cut it four times? Not trying to be “that guy”, just curious. Love your stuff, thanks!

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      If you like! We find this method most efficient.

  8. Carolyn Day says:

    Can you freeze pineapple?

    1. Alex Overhiser says:

      Yes! Freeze pieces on a tray until frozen, and then transfer to a sealable bag.