How to Freeze Fresh Pineapple: A Step-by-Step Guide

ByErika Limones

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Introduction

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and enzymes that are beneficial for health.

Unless you live in a tropical location like Hawaii or Costa Rica, you probably don’t grow your own pineapples but this does not mean that you can’t have an abundance of fresh pineapples available at your local grocery store.

From time to time, you may even run into a great stock up price when they are in season. This gives us the opportunity to preserve their sweetness for later use. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to freeze fresh pineapple to enjoy later.

Why Freeze Pineapple?

Freezing pineapple helps retain its flavor and nutritional value, making it an excellent choice for smoothies, desserts, or snacking. Here are a few benefits of freezing pineapple:

1. Extended Shelf Life: Fresh pineapple can spoil quickly. Freezing extends its shelf life.

2. Convenience: Having frozen pineapple on hand makes it easy to add to recipes.

3. Waste Reduction: Freezing is a great way to prevent waste if you buy in bulk.

What You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Guide to Freezing Fresh Pineapple

Selecting a Ripe Pineapple: Choose a fresh golden-yellow pineapple that is fragrant and has a slight give when pressed. Greener pineapples are not ripe and can be left on the counter to ripen. A brown pineapple is over ripe and may be browning inside as well.

1. Wash the Pineapple: Rinse the outside of the pineapple under cool water to remove any dirt or pesticides.

2. Cut the Pineapple:

  • Place the pineapple on a cutting board. A board with a juice groove will help reduce the juicy mess but it is optional.
  • Cut off the top (crown) and the base to create a stable base. These are great for composting.
  • Stand the pineapple upright and slice the skin off in downward curved strokes, making sure to remove any “eyes” (brown spots).
  • Cut the pineapple lengthwise to the side of the core, rotate the pineapple and keep cutting to the side of the core until you remove the entire core. Another option is to cut the pineapple lengthwise in quarters, the cut out the core from each quarter. I find the first option to be easier because the core is harder to cut through but do what works for you.
  • Cut the pineapple flesh into bite-sized pieces or the desired size according to your planned use.

4. Prep for Freezing: 

  • Place the cut pineapple pieces in a bowl.
  • For easier portioning later, spread the pieces out on a baking sheet with freezer paper (optional) in a single layer.

5. Flash Freezing: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, until the pineapple pieces are firm. This step prevents the pieces from sticking together.

6. Store in Freezer Bags/Containers: 

  • Transfer the frozen pineapple pieces into freezer bags or airtight containers.
  • Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
  • Seal the bags tightly or close the containers securely.

7. Label and Date: It’s a good idea to label the bags or containers with the contents and the date of freezing so that you can track freshness. Using a sharpie marker, label right on the disposable freezer bags or use removable freezer labels on reusable freezer bags or containers. 

8. Freeze: Place the bags or containers into the freezer. Frozen pineapple is good for about 12 months but it’s best used within 6 months for optimal taste.

Tips for Using Frozen Pineapple

Smoothies: Add frozen pineapple chunks into your favorite smoothie for a tropical twist. My favorite combination includes pineapple, mango, banana, vanilla protein, and coconut water topped off with coconut shavings. It reminds me of Hawaii!

Snacking: Enjoy thawed pineapple chunks or add to yogurt for a refreshing treat.

Desserts: Use frozen pineapple in fruit salads, sorbets, or sprinkle melted chocolate over it to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Cooking: Add frozen pineapple to stir-fries, tacos al pastor, or grilled dishes for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Thawing Frozen Pineapple

1. Refrigerator: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

2. Room Temperature: Leave out at room temperature for a couple of hours.

3. Microwave: Use the defrost setting for quick thawing, but be careful to avoid cooking the fruit.

Final Thoughts

Freezing fresh pineapple is an effective and simple way to enjoy this tropical delight long after its season has ended. With a little preparation, you can have a convenient stash of ready-to-use frozen pineapple that can add sweetness and nutrition to your meals.

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