This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
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.
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.
Step 3: After 30 minutes, cut off the other end of the pineapple.
Step 4: Remove the skin of the pineapple by slicing it off, following the shape of the pineapple.
Step 5: Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise.
Step 6: Lay down each pineapple half on the flat cut side, and cut it in half lengthwise again.
Step 7: Remove the core by cutting it out at an angle.
Step 8a: Slice each quarter in half lengthwise.
Step 8b: Then turn it and slice in the other direction to create pineapple chunks.
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:
- Salsa: Dice it up for pineapple salsa.
- Skewers: Try it in fruit skewers with fruit dip.
- Sorbet: Freeze it into pineapple sorbet.
- Grilled: Fire up the grill for grilled pineapple
- Smoothies: Freeze it for a pineapple smoothie or mango pineapple smoothie.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Cut the pineapple in half or quarters, then slice off the core from each piece.
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.
How to Cut a Pineapple (Easy & Quick!)
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.
- 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
- 1 pineapple
Instructions
- Use a large chef’s knife to cut off the top of the pineapple.
- 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.
- After 30 minutes, cut off the other end of the pineapple.
- Remove the skin of the pineapple by slicing it off, following the shape of the pineapple.
- Slice the pineapple in half lengthwise.
- Lay down each pineapple half on the flat cut side, and cut it in half lengthwise again.
- Remove the core by cutting it out at an angle.
- Slice each quarter in half lengthwise, then turn it and slice in the other direction to create pineapple chunks.
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
Hi! You can just blend in a blender and then strain the pulp out.
First pineapple I cut. Your instructions were perfect. thanks a bunch.
You’re welcome!
Ditto on great “how to”! Is it best to Store cut pieces refrigerated or room temp.?
Once cut, store covered in the fridge :)
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.
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!
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.
You’re welcome!
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!
If you like! We find this method most efficient.
Can you freeze pineapple?
Yes! Freeze pieces on a tray until frozen, and then transfer to a sealable bag.