Forget battling spiky crowns and leaving behind mountains of perfectly good pineapple! This method will have you transforming a whole pineapple into delicious, juicy pieces in just 3 minutes, with minimal waste.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Instructions:
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Stand Tall and Steady: Place the pineapple upright on your cutting board.
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Top It Off: Using a sawing motion, cut off the leafy green crown about an inch from the top. Don’t throw it away! You can use the crown to grow your own pineapple plant (search online for methods).
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Shell Game: Stand the pineapple upright again. We’re going to remove the rind without losing any precious flesh. Imagine the pineapple has vertical stripes running from top to bottom. Look for the “eyes” – small brown bumps – positioned along these stripes.
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Carving the Curves: Here’s the key to minimal waste: follow the curve of the fruit. Starting at the top, cut downwards along the curve, following a stripe and staying just close enough to the rind to remove the “eyes.” Rotate the pineapple as you go, continuing to follow the curve and removing the rind in sections.
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Core Down: Now you’re left with the beautiful golden flesh. Lay the pineapple on its side. Look for the core – a tough, white center.
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Slice and Dice: There are two ways to tackle the core, depending on your preference:
- Core Removal: Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise. Then, using a knife or a melon baller, cut a V-shaped trench down the center of each half, removing the core. Cut each half into slices, cubes, or bite-sized pieces as desired.
- Core in Place: If you don’t mind the core (it’s perfectly edible, just a bit tough), simply cut the pineapple into slices or rings. You can then cut out the core later on your plate as you enjoy the fruit.
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Enjoy!: There you have it! Perfectly cut pineapple with minimal waste, ready for your culinary creations or a refreshing snack.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget the pineapple juice that collects on your cutting board! Strain it and enjoy a delicious, healthy homemade drink.
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