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

By Darlene Schmidt, About.com Guide

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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.

Darlene Schmidt
Thai Food Guide