Over the years, pineapple has become my absolute favorite fruit. Something about the mix between pineapple’s sour and sweet taste has me constantly buying pineapples from the grocery store. Some people are intimidated by the outer layer of pineapple so the guide on how to eat a pineapple correctly is on your way. The exterior of the pineapple is covered in thick and prickly skin. There is also usually a tall, leafy stem on the top that typically has semi-sharp leaves.
If you have ever been on vacation to a tropical paradise, you’ve likely noticed the pattern surrounding pineapples. Pineapples are put in adult beverages, used as smoothies, turned into ice cream, and even toasted on a grill. Pineapples have even caused quite the debate about whether or not they belong on pizza. The choice is yours on how to eat a pineapple correctly, but this article will teach you all about how to eat a pineapple correctly.
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What is the Best Way to Slice Open a Pineapple?
Before you figure out “how to eat a pineapple correctly” you should know first the best way to slice open a pineapple; Follow our recipe below:
- Start by cutting off the stem from the pineapple. Make sure you use a sharp knife for this step. Simply lay the pineapple on its side on a cutting board. Use one hand to hold the pineapple in place, and use the other hand to firmly slice the stem off of the pineapple. You should aim to make your slice on the pineapple about a half-inch away from the base of the stem.
- Remove the bottom of the pineapple by slicing away the bottom half-inch of the pineapple.
- Now it is time to remove the pineapple skin. Stand the pineapple on its base on the cutting board. Begin slicing down lengthwise to remove small strips from the pineapple. Continue slicing around the entire pineapple until all of the large pieces of skin have been removed. Then, go around and carefully remove any divots that were not sliced off.
- Flip the pineapple around and lay it on its side on the cutting board. Use one hand to steady the pineapple, and use your other hand to begin slicing the pineapple into slices. Aim to make the pineapple slices about a half-inch thick.
- You will then need to remove the core from the pineapple slices. If you have a circular cookie cutter, you can simply press the cutter down into the center of the pineapple to remove the core. If you don’t have a cookie-cutter, you can also use a knife. All you need to do is trace the knife in a circle around the center of the pineapple and then remove the core.
Optional Step
(Optional) This step is completely optional, but I promise that once you try it, you will never go back. Traditionally, the next step would be to cut off the bottom of the pineapple and start slicing away the skin. The problem with this is that the pineapple has most likely been sitting on its base its entire life, meaning all of the juices have drained from the top and have settled at the bottom. In order to ensure that the pineapple juices have been distributed properly, you should flip the pineapple upside down and rest it on its top, meaning where the stem used to be. I like to let it sit there for 15 to 20 minutes and let the juices drain from the bottom back to the top.
How Do You Eat Pineapple?
If the skin has already been removed from the pineapple, you can eat the raw pineapple straight away. On occasion, pineapple will be served to you in slices with the skin still intact. If that is the case, only eat the flesh of the pineapple, and then discard the outer edge. Keep in mind, that pineapple tends to be one of the messier and stickier fruits. Although you can certainly eat pineapple with your bare hands, some people prefer to eat chunks of pineapple with a fork, in order to avoid a sticky situation.
What Does Pineapple Taste Like?
Pineapple is typically associated with a sweet and slightly tart taste. The texture of pineapple is a bit chewy, due to the meaty pulp. The meat of pineapple is usually a mixture between squishy and firm, depending on the piece you eat. You will know when are eating a prime pineapple because it will be accompanied by a sweet and aromatic smell.
If you have never eaten pineapple before, don’t be surprised if you encounter a tingling sensation on your tongue. Pineapples are filled with bromelain, which is a type of enzyme. This type of enzyme is also associated with a tingling feeling. Just because you experience a tingling feeling does not mean you are allergic to pineapple; the tinging is completely normal. This is one of the reasons it is important to remove the core of the pineapple. The center of the pineapple contains the highest concentration of bromelain, so eating pieces that are farther away from the center will result in less tingling feelings. Pineapple is also a highly acidic food, so you should not eat pineapple all of the time. It can result in tooth decay or cause an upset stomach.
Conclusion
Don’t let the prickly exterior of a pineapple prevent you from experiencing the delicious fruit that is held inside. The taste of pineapple can range from sweet to tart, to acidic, making every bite a new surprise. If you are looking for a nontraditional way to eat pineapple; try frying it on the stove with some brown sugar, or toss it in a dessert to make a yummy cheesecake. Further, If you are wondering if your pineapple has gone bad, the good news is bad pineapples are pretty obvious. If it has a slightly fermented taste, it most likely has aged out and needs to be thrown away.
Moreover, If you want every piece of pineapple to have a juicy texture to it, make sure you follow the optional step and let the juices drain throughout the pineapple. No one wants to eat a piece of pineapple that is dry and stringy. The best way to eat pineapple is by taking your time, letting the juices drain, and then cutting it into bite-size pieces.
