Pineapples may look like that tough, rugged, and prickly person through whom nothing or no one can get through. But they are really soft from the inside and cutting through them is extremely easy, if you know the right technique. And if you do it right, it only takes 5 minutes to fully cut and dice the pineapple. Yes, it’s that simple. So dive in and learn all about pineapple cutting.
Pineapples are usually found all year round, peaking in growth from March to July. To tell if a pineapple is ripe or not, one has to look at its colour, texture, and scent. If it looks golden yellow, can be gently squeezed easily, and gives off a sweet aroma, the pineapple is ripe. Anything else indicates it being either unripe or rotten.
Cut off the top and bottom firstThe first step towards cutting a pineapple is decapitating it. You have to use a sharp kitchen knife and cut off the top part of the pineapple. Then in a similar way, cut off its bottom. Don’t cut beyond 1 inch at both ends.
Skinning the FruitNow that the hard parts are cut from top and bottom, it’s time to take off the sides. The outer peel of the fruit that feels prickly and studded at the touch needs to be cut off. To do that, place the pineapple flat side down on a cutting board and start from top. Cut into the flesh adjacent to the peel and move downward in a steady motion until you reach the curvature of the fruit. Do the same around the entire circumference of the fruit until it is completely skinned.
Cut off the dark eyesAs you can see the skin or fleshy part of the pineapple, you’ll also spot some dark eye shaped spots on the flesh that will be hard to eat or chew. Cut them off using a paring knife until they are all removed.
It’s time to diceNow that the soft fleshy part of the fruit is in front of you, you can simply cut it into even pieces and start dicing into your preferred size. You can either cut it into halves and then cut the halves again. Or remove the core by cutting the fruit in half and then dice it. The choice is yours!
