Easy Ways to Cut Pineapple
Fresh pineapple is one of the best tasting and best for you fruits out there. However, unlike apples, oranges, bananas, and more, it can be almost impossible to cut pineapple for people to enjoy the sweet, succulent taste of this tropical treat without a knife or dedicated pineapple corer.
The tough and pointy exterior is actually much easier to get into than you would expect. In a few simple steps, you can learn how to cut up delicious pineapple without a knife and enjoy it on the go.
Anatomy of the Pineapple
The first thing we need to look at is the anatomy of a perfect pineapple. The small shapes you see on the “skin” of the pineapple outline the actual individual fruits. Every pineapple can have a different number of fruits depending on its size and shape.
These small fruits grow on a center stem; over time, more fruits add as the pineapple grows. Smaller varieties of pineapple will work best for opening a pineapple without a knife since the fruit connections haven’t become as strong as larger pineapples.
Another thing to consider before attempting to cut your pineapple without a knife is how ripe your pineapple is. If the pineapple isn’t especially ripe, it will be much more difficult to attempt.
In order to spot a ripe pineapple, look at the color.
A pineapple starts green and turns yellow as it becomes riper. The easiest pineapple to cut without a knife is one that is very yellow. The color also indicates how the pineapple will taste. The more yellow your pineapple is, the sweeter it will taste.
Now that you have the proper pineapple, follow these steps to cut a pineapple without a knife!
Step 1: Roll Your Perfect Pineapple
Roll your pineapple along a stable, flat surface. Don’t be afraid to apply a good amount of pressure. This will begin the process of separating those fruits we talked about before that are attached to the center core. Rolling the pineapple back and forth several times will make the process of pulling it apart without the use of a knife much easier.
When using a ripe pineapple, you will feel it begin to squish under the pressure of your hands. Ease off if your pineapple is going down any more than an inch. The pressure you are using is too heavy. This risks pulping the fruit rather than simply breaking up the fruit connections.
Step 2: Remove the Crown
The leafy part on top of the pineapple is called the “crown” of the pineapple. Using your thumbs, separate the base of the crown from the bottom fruits. Then, using a twisting motion, slowly begin to pull the crown of the pineapple off the fruitlets. Thanks to the rolling, the crown should come off smoothly in one piece. If extra leaves are left behind, continue to pull all of them out until the top is clean. The crown of the pineapple can be used to plant more pineapples, so put it aside if you want to grow your own pineapple at home!
Step 3: Cut Pineapple Without a Knife Begin Peeling the Fruit
You’ll notice that in every pineapple the fruits grow in a spiral pattern. Following that natural pattern down is the best course of action. At the base of each fruit, you should be able to stick your thumb between its connection with the next fruit, and slowly pull each apart.
This method will take patience at first, but once you get the hang of it, each fruit will become easier and easier to pull apart. You’ll be surprised how easy it becomes to enjoy a pineapple without a knife!
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