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 simple how-to, and you’ll be snacking on fresh cubed pineapple in no time!
How-To: Prep a Pineapple
![](https://cdn.pauladeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13105430/Pineapple_01.jpg)
Step 1: Lay the pineapple on its side on a cutting board.
![](https://cdn.pauladeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13105430/Pineapple_02.jpg)
Step 2: Using a chef’s knife, slice off a ½-inch chunk off the bottom of the pineapple.
![](https://cdn.pauladeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13115056/Pineapple_03-2vs2.png)
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.)
![](https://cdn.pauladeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13115124/Pineapple_03.jpg)
Step 4: Set the pineapple upright on its newly leveled bottom. Begin slicing off the rind of the pineapple by following its slight curve. Repeat all the way around the pineapple.
![](https://cdn.pauladeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13105429/Pineapple_05.jpg)
Step 5: Use a spoon or melon baller to remove the “eyes” that the knife may have missed.
![](https://cdn.pauladeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13105428/Pineapple_06.jpg)
Step 6: Cut around the fibrous core that runs up the center of the pineapple. You will make four separate slices.
![](https://cdn.pauladeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/31075030/Pineapple_09.jpg)
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!