The F.N. Sharp Guide to Choosing, Cutting & Storing Pineapples – Plus, a Delicious Recipe to Try!
Before we get into our pineapple prepping tips and recipe idea, let’s go over some FAQs:
What Exactly Are Pineapples?
Pineapples are tropical fruits known for their vibrant yellow flesh, spiky skin, and sweet-tart flavor. Despite their citrusy taste, they actually belong to the bromeliad family and are native to South America, specifically Brazil and Paraguay. Today, they're grown in warm climates around the world, with major production in places like Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Hawaii. Pineapples grow close to the ground from a leafy plant, not on trees, and each plant produces just one fruit at a time – talk about a tropical treasure!
Is Pineapple a Citrus Fruit?
Pineapples may be tangy and tropical, but they're not actually citrus fruits. Nope – as mentioned above, they belong to the Bromeliad family, a group of flowering plants. So, next time someone tries to tell you pineapple is a citrus fruit, you can set them straight!
Do Pineapples Grow on Trees?
Picture this: a pineapple tree swaying in the breeze, right? Wrong! Pineapples don't grow on trees at all. In fact, they grow on a plant close to the ground, with the fruit sprouting up from the center. It's like nature's own little surprise package!
What Are the Benefits of Eating Pineapple
Aside from being absolutely delicious, pineapples are packed with goodness! They're loaded with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and they also contain bromelain, an enzyme that can help with digestion. So, go ahead and indulge in that pineapple upside-down cake guilt-free!
When is Pineapple in Season?
Now, here's the juicy scoop: pineapples are typically in season during the spring and summer months (from March to July in the U.S.). So, if you want to enjoy the freshest, most flavorful pineapples, that's the time to stock up! Just remember, good things come to those who wait (for pineapple season).
How to Pick & Choose a Pineapple
If you’re tired of picking out pineapples that are either rock hard or mushy, then follow these tips for selecting the juiciest, most delicious pineapple at the market, produce stand, or grocery store.
How to Tell if a Pineapple is Ripe?
First things first, give the pineapple a gentle squeeze. If it gives a little, like a firm handshake, then you've got yourself a ripe one. Avoid pineapples that are too soft or too firm - you want that perfect balance of sweet and tangy goodness.
How to Tell if a Pineapple is Bad?
Now, nobody wants to bring home a bad pineapple, right? To check if a pineapple has gone bad, give it a whiff. If it smells fermented or has a strong vinegar-like odor, it's time to put that pineapple back on the shelf. A good pineapple should have a fresh, sweet aroma that makes your mouth water.
How to Ripen a Pineapple?
If you've brought home a slightly underripe pineapple, no worries! You can help it ripen by leaving it at room temperature for a couple of days. Keep it away from direct sunlight and give it some space to breathe. You'll know it's ready when the skin turns a golden yellow color and the aroma becomes more pronounced.
How to Eat & Cook With Fresh Pineapple
Are you feeling fruity and adventurous in the kitchen? Look no further than the humble pineapple! This spiky fruit isn't just for pina coladas and tropical vacations – it's a versatile ingredient that can add a sweet and tangy twist to a variety of dishes. Here are just a few different ways to enjoy the juicy pineapple:
Fresh and Fabulous: First things first, let's talk about enjoying fresh pineapple as nature intended. Grab a ripe pineapple, slice it up, and enjoy those juicy, golden chunks straight from the fruit. It's the perfect snack for a sunny day or a quick burst of tropical flavor.
Salad Sensation: Looking to add a zesty kick to your salads? Dice up some fresh pineapple and toss it into your greens for a burst of sweetness. Pair it with some grilled chicken or shrimp for a tropical twist that will make your taste buds do the hula!
Poke Perfection: For a taste of the islands, why not add fresh pineapple to your poke bowl? The combination of fresh fish, rice, veggies, and pineapple creates a harmony of flavors that will transport you to a Hawaiian paradise (no plane ticket required).
Burrito Bowl Bonanza: Spice up your burrito bowl by adding some grilled pineapple to the mix. The caramelized sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with savory ingredients like beans, rice, and your choice of protein. It's a fiesta in your mouth!
Salsa Showdown: Get ready to salsa the night away with a fresh pineapple salsa. Dice up some pineapple, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos for a sweet and spicy topping that goes great with chips, tacos, or grilled meats. Ole!
Dip Delight: Who needs boring old ketchup when you can dip your fries in pineapple sauce? Mix some pineapple juice with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a tangy dip that will take your taste buds on a flavor rollercoaster. It's sweet, it's savory, it's downright delicious!
Grilling Greatness: Fire up the grill and throw some pineapple slices on for a caramelized treat. Grilled pineapple is the perfect accompaniment to burgers, kebabs, or even as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream. It's smoky, it's sweet, it's a flavor explosion!
Roasting Rendezvous: For a cozy night in, try roasting pineapple with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar. The warm, gooey goodness of roasted pineapple is a comforting treat that will make you feel like you're wrapped in a pineapple-flavored blanket. It's comfort food with a tropical twist!
How to Store Pineapple
If you've got a whole pineapple and find yourself wondering, "How the heck do I keep this bad boy fresh?" Then don't worry, we've got you covered with some juicy tips on how to store your pineapple like a pro!
How to Store a Whole Pineapple
First things first, don't just leave that pineapple hanging out on your countertop like it's on vacation. Pop it in the fridge! (It's like a tropical getaway for your fruit.) Make sure to store it in the crisper drawer to keep it cool and fresh. If you want to get fancy, you can also wrap the pineapple in plastic wrap to help maintain its moisture.
How to Store Cut Pineapple
If you’ve already sliced and diced your pineapple into delicious chunks, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. (No one likes a dry, sad pineapple.) For an extra kick, sprinkle some lemon juice on the cut pineapple to keep it from browning too quickly.
How to Keep Pineapple Fresh
Want to keep your pineapple fresh for as long as possible? Here's a pro tip: store it upside down! (Yes, you read that right.) By storing the pineapple upside down, the juices will flow back into the flesh, keeping it sweet and tasty.
How to Freeze Pineapple
Got more pineapple than you can handle? No problem! You can freeze those golden chunks for later. Simply cut the pineapple into pieces, spread them out on a baking sheet, and pop them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the pineapple chunks to a freezer-safe bag or container. (Now you've got pineapple for days!)
How to Cut a Pineapple
Are you ready to cut up that pineapple sitting on your kitchen counter, looking all spiky and intimidating? Don't worry, peeling and coring a pineapple doesn't have to be a daunting task.
To peel a pineapple with a knife, make sure it’s sharp! The F.N. Sharp Boning Knife pictured above is the perfect choice for this task, thanks to its thin, semi-flexible blade. Begin by slicing off the top and bottom of the pineapple, then stand the pineapple upright and carefully slice off the skin in a downward motion, following the curve of the fruit. Make sure to remove any remaining "eyes" with the tip of your knife.
If wielding a knife isn't your thing, you can also use a pineapple corer or a serrated peeler to make the job easier. These tools can help you remove the skin and core with ease, leaving you with perfectly prepped pineapple in no time.
How to Core a Pineapple
To core a pineapple with a knife, slice the pineapple lengthwise into quarters and remove the tough core from each quarter. Alternatively, you can use a pineapple corer to twist and pull out the core effortlessly.
How to Cut a Pineapple into Chunks
After peeling and coring the pineapple, lay it flat and slice it into rounds. Stack the rounds and cut them into chunks for a sweet and juicy treat.
How to Slice a Pineapple into Rings
For pineapple rings, slice the peeled fruit into rounds. Use a small cookie cutter to remove the core from each ring, or simply leave it intact for a more rustic look.
How to Cut a Pineapple into Wedges
To create pineapple wedges, cut the peeled and cored fruit into half-inch slices. Then, cut each slice into wedges by making diagonal cuts from the center to the edge.
So there you have it, folks! The world of fresh pineapple is ripe for exploration, so grab a pineapple and get creative in the kitchen. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or simply enjoying it fresh, pineapple is a versatile ingredient that will add a touch of the tropics to any dish. So go ahead, get pineappley with it!
Practice Your Pineapple-Cutting Skills With This F.N. Sharp Recipe!
Are you ready to master cutting up those pineapple-prep skills? Here’s a creative recipe to help get you there!
Sweet & Spicy Pina Colada Guacamole
If you love pina coladas, then you’ll love this sweet & spicy guacamole recipe – and you won’t have to get caught in the rain or wait until happy hour to enjoy it, either! This recipe elevates guacamole to the next level with mashed avocado, diced pineapple, finely diced jalapeno, finely diced red onion, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, coconut cream, rum, fresh lime juice, salt, pepper, and sour cream.
I got these for my husband and he LOVED them! Starting with the box - so well made and packaged - beautifully designed and balanced handle - everything is perfect about the knife. Great job F N Sharp!
Functional, great capacity, and beautifully made. We tossed our old knife block out, but included the old knives in with the new, as there is ample room.
