How To: Freeze Pineapple
Freezing pineapple is a super-easy way to preserve that delicious tropical flavor for months to come. If you’re wondering “can you freeze fresh pineapple” the answer is a resounding yes! Get in here, and let’s do it!!
Like most people, I’m noticing my grocery bills creep up, so we always watch for foods that we eat on a regular basis and when they’re on for an irresistible price, I scoop them up and preserve them.
Earlier this summer I scored a great deal on some produce and I got busy. I froze blueberries, froze peaches, froze cherries, and froze strawberries.
Today, I was lucky enough to nab a few jumbo pineapples for under $2 a piece!
This how to freeze pineapples guide is dedicated to creeping.
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Tips + Tricks
No. 1 –> Pineapples are non-climacteric, which means they will not ripen further after picking. The fruit will continue to respire, and the cells within the fruit will continue to break down and get softer and juicer, but it won’t get sweeter! So it’s important to grab a fresh, ripe pineapple at the store.
No. 2 –> Pineapples have a short shelf life, they can be stored on the counter for 1-3 days and that could be extended by placing them in the fridge for up to 5 days, but in general, they should be eaten or preserved within 3-4 days of purchase.
No. 3 –> Lining your cookie sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper will make it much easier to remove the frozen pineapple pieces, especially if your fruit is ultra juicy!
No. 4 –> Freezing the pineapple chunks on the baking sheet ensures that you won’t have a frozen mass of pineapple in a bag that you’ll need a chisel and hammer to chip away when you want some pineapple!
Key Ingredients
Pineapple: When shopping for pineapples, look for a golden yellow skin that yields slightly to a gentle squeeze. Choose a pineapple with green leaves, a little bit of browning is ok, but overly brown and your pineapple will be too mushy. Your pineapple should have an intoxicating, sweet scent, and be heavy for its size.
How To Freeze Pineapple
Prepare the pineapple:
- Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of your pineapple. Then place the pineapple on the flat bottom and slice off the peel, cutting strips from top to bottom, all the way around.
- Then slice the pineapple into 4 pieces, cutting around the core.
- Dice the pineapple as desired.
Freeze the pineapple:
- Spread the cut pineapple pieces on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper in a single layer. This is important because it will prevent sticking later on.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until the pineapple is completely frozen.
Package the pineapple:
- Once the pineapple is completely frozen transfer it to your desired freezer friendly storage container or bag. I like to seal mine in vacuum seal bags – I find the quality stays high longer!
- Label the container with the contents and the date. This is important when you find UFO – unidentified frozen objects. You’ll know if you should keep or toss!
Batch + Storage Information
BATCH:
This recipe is infinitely scaleable.
Have a half pineapple you might not eat before it’s destined for the compost? Freeze it! Bought 10 pineapples on sale because you just couldn’t resist the deal? Freeze ’em!
STORAGE:
Store your frozen pineapple for 6-12 months in a standard freezer bags or airtight container. If you choose to vacuum seal, your frozen fruit should last 2-3 years.
I usually fill 8×6″ vacuum seal bags with my frozen fruit, and whatever is leftover goes into a silicone freezer bag and is stored in the house freezer for morning smoothies!
How To Thaw Frozen Pineapple
If you’re looking to use your pineapple in a thawed state, here’s how you can get there:
- NOW! -> Thaw pineapple in the microwave: transfer frozen pineapple to a microwave safe dish and thaw on the defrost setting, stirring often.
- SOON! -> Thaw pineapple in cold water: transfer frozen pineapple to a freezer bag and seal before submerging in cold water until softened.
- LATER! -> Thaw pineapple in the fridge: transfer frozen pineapple chunks to a lidded container and place it in the fridge for 10-12 hours or until completely softened.
How To Use Frozen Pineapple
- Smoothies: Kevy is the smoothie master in this house and a big part of the reason I stock pile so much frozen fruit! We have nutrient rich smoothies daily.
- Disneyland Dole Whip: An easy pineapple sorbet just like they make at Disney! Detoxinista has a great Dole Whip recipe.
- Pineapple crisp: This It’s Not Complicated recipe had me at pineapple!
- Pineapple Salsa: Thawed pineapple works perfectly in dips and salsas.
- Use your imagination! This is the best part of cooking, trying new things.
More Preserving Guides!
Recommended Equipment
AVID ARMOR Chamber Vacuum Sealer: This CHAMBER VACUUM SEALER works much better than a bar-style sealer. It’s well built, and after months of continuous use, I am confident it will last years and years in my kitchen. If you cook, hunt, or harvest a lot, you’ll definitely be interested in this unit. Use the discount code CRAVE to save on your purchase!
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📖 Printable Recipe
How To: Freeze Pineapple
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe pineapple
Instructions
Prepare the pineapple:
- Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of your pineapple. Then place the pineapple on the flat bottom and slice off the peel, cutting strips from top to bottom, all the way around.
- Then slice the pineapple into 4 pieces, cutting around the core.
- Dice the pineapple as desired.
Freeze the pineapple:
- Spread the cut pineapple pieces on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper in a single layer. This is important because it will prevent sticking later on.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 2-3 hours or until the pineapple is completely frozen.
Package the pineapple:
- Once the pineapple is completely frozen transfer it to your desired freezer friendly storage container or bag.
- Label the bag or container with the contents and date.
Notes
BATCH:
This recipe is infinitely scaleable and will work with half a pineapple just as well as it works with 15 pineapples!STORAGE:
Store your frozen pineapple for 6-12 months in a standard freezer-friendly or airtight container for 3-6 months. If you choose to vacuum seal, your frozen fruit should last 2-3 years.Recommended Equipment + Ingredients
Nutrition
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Can’t wait to freeze some pineapple, so thankful for the info.