What is the best way to prepare a fresh pineapple ready for eating?!
Answers: There seems to be an awful lot of waste and mess when I attack one with a machete. When I was in Thailand in November 07 I used to buy them every day from a street vendor - I've become very very fond of them. In fact I like them so much I am selling my house and moving to Thailand.
You are right, pineapples almost feel like a waste of time to even try buying and peeling yourself. For one, the skin is really thick and there are these sharp prickly bits which pierce you if you're not careful.
Having had to peel some pineapples for a relish I was making, here is how I feel is the best way to cut them.
First, cut off the top of the pineapple (this is the bit where the leafy bits usually are).
Then cut off the base - you should now be able to stand the pineapple up.
Then split the pineapple in two by cutting right through the middle, lengthwise.
Cut each half lengthways so you get four long quarters of pineapple.
Now here's the bit which is always a little tricky - run the knife under the skin of the pineapple. Don't be afraid that you're not running it close enough to the outer skin - the skin of the pineapple is very thick. It's a much better option to go a little too thick if it ensures that most of the "eyes" are peeled than to go too thin and have those bits around the prickles you have to remove later.
Once you've gotten the skin off, lie the pineapple quarter on it's long side and remove this. You do this by cutting parallel to the outer skin of the pineapple, near the bit where the hard fibrous core turns into edible flesh. This takes awhile to suss out as well. But you'll get the hang of it!
Best knife to use? A big, sharp stainless steel one. Preferably one which is longer than the diameter of the pineapple you're cutting so that you can make the cuts in one relatively smooth motion rather than have to saw through it.
Hope that helped!
our local supermarket sells a utensil especially made for coring a pineapple..they are usually right near the fresh pineapples...I have yet to try one, but I'm thinking of it,,,because i love fresh pineapple and don't want to pay extra when it is cored and sliced already..
CLEAN IT AND SERVE IT WITH CHEESE.IT IS AN AWESOME COMBINATION.
TAKE A TOOTHPICK CUT ONE SLICE OF PINEAPPLE INTO 4 THEN PUT CHEESE INTHE PICK AND THE PINEAPPLE
Use a very sharp large knife to cut the outter husk off, and slice it up, and enjoy.
Don't know if you are aware, but pineapples are available pretty much everywhere.. not just in Thailand.
But, whatever floats your boat... have a happy move!