How to Freeze Pineapple: 5 Tips for Freezing Pineapple

A fully ripe pineapple lasts no more than a few days when kept at room temperature. If you're not yet ready to use your pineapple, you can freeze it, extending its shelf life to up to a year. Follow these steps for freezing a whole pineapple.

1. 1. Core and cut the pineapple. First, use a sharp chef’s knife to remove the green top of the pineapple. Using your sharp knife, slice off the bottom of the pineapple crosswise so that it sits level on the cutting board. Use your knife to cut away the outer peel of the pineapple, then slice the pineapple in half lengthwise. Cut away the core before chopping the pineapple into bite-sized pieces about the size of an ice cube.
2. 2. Arrange the pineapple chunks on a baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone baking mat. Spread the pineapple pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
3. 3. Flash-freeze the pineapple pieces. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for one to two hours, or until the cut pineapple is completely frozen. This will help prevent the pineapple pieces from clumping together during long-term storage.
4. 4. Store frozen pineapple in freezer bags. Add the frozen pineapple pieces to freezer bags or any freezer-safe, airtight container. Frozen pineapple will last up to one year in the freezer.

Freezing fresh pineapple is a great way to stock up on this delicious summertime fruit all year long. Consider a few tips for getting the most out of your frozen pineapple.

1. 1. Use a pineapple corer to make quick work of coring. A pineapple corer is a kitchen utensil specifically designed for quickly removing the core of the pineapple. Use a pineapple corer to remove the core before slicing the pineapple and prepping it for the freezer.
2. 2. Freeze individual servings of pineapple. To cut down on smoothie prep time, measure out your desired serving size and freeze portioned-out pineapple chunks in separate bags.
3. 3. Freeze pineapple cores separately. The core of the pineapple contains healthy fiber and bromelain, a type of enzyme commonly added to nutritional supplements. Pineapple cores may be too tough and fibrous to eat fresh, but you can easily freeze and use them in smoothies and juices.
4. 4. Defrost frozen pineapple before adding it to fruit salad. Defrosting frozen pineapple is as simple as letting it sit in the fridge overnight. Discard the pineapple juice or save it for use in cocktail and baking recipes. Then toss the defrosted pineapple with a mixture of other fresh fruits such as grapes, strawberries, mango, and watermelon for a refreshing side dish.
5. 5. Use a freezer-safe storage container. The best way to avoid freezer burn, which will zap the flavor out of your pineapple, is to use a vacuum sealer. However, any freezer-safe container will do the trick. Use an airtight container made of glass or plastic or plastic freezer bags for the best results.

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