How To Cut A Pineapple

Some fruits are hard to tackle. Cutting a pineapple safely is crucial to avoid accidents and injuries. Many of the steps below can also be used when cutting other round fruits such as melons.

Why the Proper Technique is Important

• Sharp Edges: Pineapples have tough, spiky skin and a hardcore. Without proper technique, there’s a high risk of cutting yourself with a knife.
• Slippery Surface: The skin of a pineapple can be quite slippery, especially when it’s wet. This increases the chances of losing control of the knife and causing an accident.
• Protecting Your Hands: Holding a pineapple securely and using the correct cutting technique helps prevent accidental slips or sudden shifts that can lead to cuts or injuries.
• Avoiding Strain: Cutting a pineapple improperly can strain your wrists, especially if you’re using excessive force or an awkward angle. This can lead to muscle strain or even more serious injuries.
• Preserving the Fruit: When cut properly, you’ll be able to extract the maximum amount of fruit without wasting any. Improper cutting can result in unnecessary waste.
• Maintaining Presentation: Properly cut pineapple slices or chunks that look more appealing. It enhances the visual presentation of the fruit, making it more appetizing.
• Preventing Contamination: If you’re planning to share the pineapple with others, using clean, safe-cutting techniques helps prevent cross-contamination and ensures everyone can enjoy the fruit safely.
• Avoiding Damage to Kitchen Tools: Using the wrong technique can lead to damage to your knives or other kitchen equipment. A safe-cutting method prolongs the life of your tools.

Step 1: Place the pineapple on its side on a cutting board.

Step 2: Using a serrated knife, cut off the crown and stem.

Step 3: Stand the fruit up on one end, using your knife, following the contour of the fruit, carefully slice the skin off the sides.

Step 4: While the fruit is standing, use your knife to slice the fruit in half lengthwise, and place flat side down on the cutting board.

Step 5: Cut each half in half again, leaving you with quarters.

Step 6: Stand up one section and using your knife, slice off the fibrous inner core section.

Step 7: Remove the core on all remaining pieces.

Step 8: Cut each quarter into thirds.

Step 9: Dice fruit into cubes as desired.