Q&A for How to Cut a Pineapple

The chemicals in the pineapple burn the proteins in your tongue. In other words, when you eat pineapples, the pineapple eats you right back.

No, since pineapple has its own juice, it will stay moist as long as you keep it in an air tight container. If you put it in water it will dilute the juice and the flavor will be weaker. Kind of like when ice melts in soda.

Yes. Wrap it carefully.

No. New baby pineapples grow from the crown, so planting the eyes does little good. Instead, place the crown on damp soil and it will root to grow a new pineapple plant, though it will take a year in the sunshine to fruit.

As long as the uncut side is wrapped in plastic, it shouldn't rot.

Yes, cut pineapple does turn brown. This means that it is oxidizing, as the flesh is exposed to air. To slow down this browning process, coat the cut pieces with lemon juice; the ascorbic acid in the lemon juice helps to slow the oxidization. Place the lemon-coated pineapple slices into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator. Use within four days. Cut pineapple can also be frozen, during which time it will not turn brown. Of course, the best way to prevent the oxidization is to eat the pineapple straight after you've cut it!

Yes, that can work. Make sure the peeler is clean, and you have enough pineapple to cut out.

Green flesh is tougher, plus it means the fruit is unripe. Unripe pineapple shouldn't be eaten.

I'm no expert, but if you read below about marinating meats and possibly making gelatin, it says the acid can break down the meats to the point of them falling apart. Also it says it stops gelatin from setting, so if you want to make gelatin with pineapple, cook it first.

Yes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't get rotten.

You should cut the eyes on a pineapple. The eyes are kind of part of the skin, so it would be best to cut them off.

Fresh, ripe pineapple is sweet. However, unripe pineapples can be sour.

It will ripen, but I recommend you put it in a brown paper bag, closed tightly. It might take a few days, so check it daily.

The salt water can destroy the bio-glycosides and bromelain in pineapple, which lessens the astringent taste, and helps avoid or reduce the risk of allergies. It can also be used to improve the taste (make it more sweet).

Yes. Always try to cut as close to the leaves and base as possible so as not to waste too much.

You need pineapple seeds to plant.

Certainly, a pineapple can be cooked in various ways. You can cook the pineapple whole, as halves, in slices or cubed, as preferred. It can be barbecued, baked (including in cakes, etc.), roasted, grilled/broiled or fried. It is best to look for recipes before trying, as cooking times and needs vary.