A step-by-step how-to guide for cutting a pineapple, including pictures for each step!

Did you know that the pineapple was named after pine cones? I didn’t learn this until recently, but it completely makes sense given the similarities between the two! I buy pineapple quite often, whether it be for this Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie, these Rainbow Fruit Kabobs, or for Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon!

If you’ve never bought a whole pineapple before with the intent to cut it up, it can be a little intimidating. Today I thought I’d share a step-by-step guide on how to cut a pineapple, complete with pictures so that you have no problems cutting your own pineapple at home. I’ve known so many people who buy pre-cut pineapple at the grocery store in the produce department. While that option is convenient, it is SO expensive compared to just buying your own pineapple and prepping it at home.

You’ll want to start with a beautiful pineapple like this one! I got this guy at Costco for $2.50 which seemed really reasonable. It’s a Dole pineapple, and for whatever reason, I have the best luck with their fruit (no, they aren’t paying me to say that!). You will want a pineapple that has a golden yellow color to it, and the base of it should smell sweet. Those are both signs of a good pineapple. Aside from the pineapple, another key aspect of cutting a pineapple is a good knife. Make sure you have a trusty, sharp knife on hand.

*Note: There are numerous ways to cut a pineapple. This is the method that works best for me. 

Step 1: Cut off the top and bottom off of the pineapple.

Step 2: Cut the pineapple in half.

Step 3: Cut each half into half again so that you are left with quarters.

Step 4: There is a hard core that runs down the center of the pineapple. Stand each quarter up and cut straight down to remove the core. You will easily be able to see where the core is to know how much to cut off.

Step 5: Cut each quarter in half again so that you are left with 8 spears of pineapple. I do this so that it is easier to cut the outside skin off, it also makes it easier to cut the pineapple into chunks.

Step 6: Cut away the outside skin of the pineapple and discard it. Repeat this step for all 8 spears of pineapple.

Step 7: If you’re making Grilled Pineapple with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon, you need the pineapple cut into spears, so you’re done at this point. If you’re using the pineapple for smoothies, you’ll want to cut the spears into bite-sized chunks like what is shown below.

That’s all there is to it! I freeze pineapple for smoothies, and it’ll stay good in the freezer for about 10-12 months. If you’re just refrigerating the pineapple, you will want to eat it within 5 days.

To sum it all up:

Recipe from
CenterCutCook