How to Cut a Pineapple (Plus Create a Pineapple "Boat")

Choose the Best Side of your Pineapple.

Choosing the Best Side to Cut

D.Schmidt

• Start with a ripe pineapple. When purchasing, look for nice color both in the leaves and the skin. Check for ripeness by lifting the pineapple by a single leaf (choose a leaf toward the top). If the leaf comes out, it's ripe.
• Try this test several times on the same pineapple. Avoid buying pineapples whose skin is easily indented, which may mean they are overripe. Also, the pineapple should have only a very light scent. A heavy scent is also a sign of overripeness.
• Now lay your pineapple on a counter or table. If you are planning to carve the pineapple into a "boat", turn it to find the most attractive and stable way for it to lie (will it lie flat, without tumbling over?). Also, choose the side with the best looking leaves.
• Rotate the pineapple slightly. Using a serrated knife, begin to make a slice (no more than 1/4 of the pineapple) down along the side to remove the skin. Note: Do not cut the leaves.

• Choose the Best Side of your Pineapple.
• Slice Off the Top Side of the Pineapple
• Cut Around the Inside of the Pineapple.
• Cut the Pineapple Flesh into Cubes.
• Scoop Out the Fresh Pineapple.
• Fill Your Pineapple "Boat" with Fruit Salad or Pineapple Fried Rice.