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Learn How to Cut Pineapple, in Pictures

Here's how to stop buying plastic containers full of precut fruit for good.

By Anna Monette Roberts
<p>Lay the pineapple on its side and cut the top.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Pineapple can be intimidating to prep, but it's time to stop buying plastic containers full of precut fruit and learn how to properly cut one. Even if it feels a little awkward at first, in time, it'll be a breeze. If you want to learn an easy way to do it, then take a look at these step-by-step photos.

Once you've cut up all that juicy fruit, use your fresh pineapple to make your kitchen feel like a tropical paradise.

1

Cut Off the Top

<p>Lay the pineapple on its side and cut the top.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Lay the pineapple on its side and cut the top.

2

Cut Off the Bottom

<p>Rotate the pineapple and cut off the bottom. This way, the pineapple can stand up on either end.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Rotate the pineapple and cut off the bottom. This way, the pineapple can stand up on either end.

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3

Remove the Sides

<p>Run the knife down the length of the pineapple. You want to cut in deep enough so that all the prickly brown bits are cut off. I make about seven cuts, but you could do more or less, depending on how much you chop off, and how big your pineapple is.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Run the knife down the length of the pineapple. You want to cut in deep enough so that all the prickly brown bits are cut off. I make about seven cuts, but you could do more or less, depending on how much you chop off, and how big your pineapple is.

4

Trim Off the Last of the Skin

<p>Trim off any remaining skin. Also, use a melon baller to cut out the tough brown eyes in the flesh of the fruit. </p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Trim off any remaining skin. Also, use a melon baller to cut out the tough brown eyes in the flesh of the fruit.

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5

Check That All the Skin Is Removed

<p>This is what it looks like when all the outside pieces have been removed.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

This is what it looks like when all the outside pieces have been removed.

6

Cut It in Half

<p>Next, cut the pineapple down the center.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Next, cut the pineapple down the center.

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7

Cut It in Half Again

<p>Rotate the knife 90 degrees and cut through the center again, resulting in four even pineapple pieces. </p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Rotate the knife 90 degrees and cut through the center again, resulting in four even pineapple pieces.

8

Trim Off the Core

<p>For each piece, slice off the tough core, which is found in the center of the fruit. Some people actually like the fibrous core and leave it in, although it should be noted that it can irritate your mouth.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

For each piece, slice off the tough core, which is found in the center of the fruit. Some people actually like the fibrous core and leave it in, although it should be noted that it can irritate your mouth.

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9

You're Almost There

<p>Now you have ready-to-cut pineapple spears.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Now you have ready-to-cut pineapple spears.

10

Trim the Spears

<p>Line up the spears and cut them in half. </p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Line up the spears and cut them in half.

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11

Cut the Spears Into Pieces

<p>Chop them into the width of your liking. </p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Chop them into the width of your liking.

12

You're Done

<p>Ta da! Now you're ready to eat pineapple cubes. They'd be an excellent addition to a smoothie, ceviche, or a salad.</p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Ta da! Now you're ready to eat pineapple cubes. They'd be an excellent addition to a smoothie, ceviche, or a salad.

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13

Become a Produce Professional

<p>Sure summer means vacations and no school, but it also means delicious, fresh fruits and veggies. Make sure you're using them to their full potential with help from <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com" target="_blank">POPSUGAR</a>:</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/Summer-Produce-Guide-30810957" target="_blank">Your Ultimate Summer Produce Guide</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/How-Prep-Produce-31583140" target="_blank">Produce Prep School: How to Break Down Fruits and Veggies</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/Where-Store-Fruits-Vegetables-26980377" target="_blank">Optimize the Freshness of Your Produce by Storing It Right</a></strong></p>
Courtesy of POPSUGAR

Sure summer means vacations and no school, but it also means delicious, fresh fruits and veggies. Make sure you're using them to their full potential with help from POPSUGAR:

Your Ultimate Summer Produce Guide

Produce Prep School: How to Break Down Fruits and Veggies

Optimize the Freshness of Your Produce by Storing It Right

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