Pauladeen.com
How to Prep a Pineapple
Have you ever eyed a pineapple in the produce section but were discouraged from buying it because you just didn’t know how to prep it? Follow our how to and you’ll be snacking on fresh cubed pineapple in no time!
Step 1: Lay the pineapple on its side on a cutting board.
Step 2: Using a chef’s knife, slice off a 1/2 inch chunk off the bottom of the pineapple.
Step 3: Flip the pineapple over and slice off the top right below the green leafy top. (Paula will actually keep the top after she cuts it off to garnish a big platter of fruit salad.)
Step 4: Set the pineapple upright on it’s newly leveled bottom. Begin slicing off the rind of the pineapple by following its slight curve. Repeat all the way around the pineapple.
Step 5: Use a spoon or melon baller to remove the “eyes” that the knife may have missed.
Step 6: Cut around the fibrous core that runs up the center of the pineapple. You will make 4 separate slices.
Step 7: Cutting around the core will leave you with 4 large sections of pineapple. Discard the core and chop the sweet fragrant flesh of the pineapple.
Now put your skills to good use and whip up a batch of pineapple salsa for your next barbecue!
You May Also Like These Blogs:
You May Also Like These Recipes:
Bobby’s Lighter French Coconut Pie
View Now
Old-fashioned Meatloaf - A.K.A Basic Meatloaf
View Now 
Bobby’s Lighter Chicken Creole Burgers with Bayou Mayo
View Now 
Strawberry Margarita Mousse
View Now
Reader Comments:
I recently purchased a pineapple corer/spiral slicing tool. Works so well with minimum effort, and very little pineapple is wasted. We have found fresh pineapples on sale for as little as $1.00 ea. Takes away any impulse you may have to ever buy canned pineapple again!
By katie on July 25, 2012
Thank you for showing how to cut up a pineapple. You are supper.
By Betty Duke. on July 13, 2012
I always set my pineapple upside down over night before i cut it. I cut mine the same as you.The pineapple are shipped upright and all the jucie is at the bottom. I found out that by turning it over it is a lot jucier. Sonny
By Sonny on July 12, 2012
Thank you for these instructions for preparing pineapple. I did it once and ended up throwing it all away. I'd now like to try it again one day.
By laura darsey on July 12, 2012
Looks easy!!!
By danniel on July 12, 2012
Love, love, love fresh pineapple and historically would use basically this method shown to clean a pineapple; however, I am now a widow and live alone so one pineapple lasts for a few days. To increase the shelf life of the fresh pineapple, I have a new procedure: Wash the pineapple really well and shake dry (I noticed ya'll did not refer to washing the pineapple before processing); cut off 1/4 of bottom of pineapple and clean for immediate use. Set the remainder of the whole pineapple in a soup bowl or a shallow bowl and leave in fridge. The next day, slice off another serving, returning balance of pineapple to fridge; repeat until you have used the entire pineapple. The pineapple will stay fresh for up to a week. I always use the top in a centerpiece or a fruit platter. My mother would set the top in a sandy mixture and frequently the top would begin to grow roots!
By Ann S. McCrickard on July 12, 2012
This is not the way the Hawaiian folks do it. They twist off the top... Cut the pineapple down the middle. Then using a curved knife, they cut the pineapple in half and then in quarters (don't have to peel it that way. Then they cut out the core and then they cut the pineapple out of the core much as you would cut cantalope. Then they slice it while it is still laying losely in the skin. They then bring the knife from end to end which cuts each slice in half and then just slide it off into a bowl! So easy...it takes about 10 minutes to complete the job. Much easier!
By Sylvia Williamson on July 12, 2012
The Lady's Blog
The Queen of Southern Cuisine muses about her recipes, life and family. See Posts
Hot Off The Press
Step behind the pages and let the Managing Editor of Cooking with Paula Deen fill you in on what goes into creating every issue. See Posts
Thrift Store Mommy
Mom on a dime advice from Paula's Online Community Manager. See Posts
Earth Mother
Practical, earth-conscious ways to live and parent in the 21st century. See Posts
Bubbles' Corner
Ideas and advice from a 21st Century young at heart Grandmother. See Posts
Dear Cindy,
I have learned something new. It has been quite a while since I have been to a baby shower, and I am now prepared and up-to-date. I love the term "sprinkles" and it is nice to know that men are also invited to partake in the excitement! Thank you for a fun article!
kay buelvas in Baby Showers and Sprinkles on June 19, 2013 at 11:03 am
Wonderful ideas!!! Thank you so much for sharing this information about such a great occasion! Cindy, your ideas always helpful and creative.
Sandra in Baby Showers and Sprinkles on June 15, 2013 at 10:59 am
Everyone calls Paula dean because i cook for friends and family and they say i talk like Paula tho i am 71and never as pretty as Paula i want to be like Paula i love her and her family
normal maskell in The Great Party Challenge on June 12, 2013 at 10:11 am
Susan Lott is a great party planner! She has tons of great ideas that she needs to share with the online world. I have been begging her to start a Facebook page or Etsy account. The graduation gift that she made me was hand drawn with my name and different definitions for each letter. She framed it and I cherish it.....I also would have paid about $50 for it in a store. Thanks for sharing her idea but this idea is nothing compared to some of her other quick and money saving tips! You should hire her for your creative team!
Love you Susu!
Adrienne Hilliard in Baby Showers and Sprinkles on June 11, 2013 at 10:55 pm
Leave a Comment