Buying a Fresh, Ripe Pineapple:
There are three important steps to buying a fresh pineapple.First, look at the outer skin. You should pick a pineapple that is beginning to turn a beautiful golden color.
Second, take a good sniff. If you don't smell a pineapple aroma then it is not ripe.
Third, check the skin for any noticeable bruising or rotten spots.
Cutting Up a Fresh, Ripe Pineapple:
You will need a sharp, long knife for this job.Lay the pineapple on it's side on a cutting board.
Slice off the top of the pineapple about a ½-inch below the stalk.
Slice off the bottom of the pineapple.
Stand the pineapple up and begin slicing off the skin in strips.
For Whole Pineapple Slices:
Lay the pineapple on its side.Cut the pineapple into 4 quarters.
Using a sharp paring knife, cut around the center core.
Gently pop the core out with your fingers.
Slice the pineapple into thin, whole slices.
For Pineapple Chunks:
First, with the pineapple in an upright position, slice it into 4 quarters.Next, take each quarter and find the triangular part of the core. Slice the core off of the quarter.
Slice each quarter into bite sized pieces.
Serve.