Fresh Pineapple

One of my favorite things about this time of year is all the fresh pineapple the stores are getting in and how cheap it is! Stores around here have been selling it for a $1 each! To pick a pineapple there are a few things you want to look for:

~A small crown (green pointy leaves) compared to the size of the bottom portion (the actual pineapple)

~You want it to feel heavy for its size

~ All of the eyes (circles) on the flesh should be roughly the same color, it is OK if its still green, it will continue to ripen

Start off by cutting off the crown and the bottom from the pineapple.

Then using your knife and staying close to the flesh, cut off the flesh going straight down and making your way completely around.

Cut it in half

Then in half again to make quarters

Taking each quarter, cut out the core (it is edible but very tough, your knife should just glide along it)

Then cut each quarter into strips and then crosswise into pieces.

But if you want to get fancy, cut the pineapple in half first, even through the crown.

And then into quarters

Using a paring knife, I still take out the core but you can leave it, it is easier that way

Using a knife, "fillet" the fruit away from the flesh

Cut the fruit crosswise into strips without going through the flesh

And alternate the pieces pushing them in opposite directions

Viola!

Come back in a few days for a few ideas of what to do with all this Fresh Pineapple!

Happy July 4th!!!