Learn how to freeze pineapples the right way with this easy guide. When added to smoothies, frozen pineapples will add sweetness and nutrition.
Freezing Pineapple
Fresh pineapple will last 5-7 days in the fridge but you can keep it for much longer by storing it in the freezer.
The frozen pineapple can be used to chill and thicken smoothies. It also omits the need for ice, which can make the drink watery.
Plus, pineapple has a bright and tart flavor. This makes it a good choice for tropical smoothies or naturally sweetening drinks.
Freezing pineapple also retains the nutrients in the fruit. So it has similar health benefits as the fresh kind.
RELATED: Pineapple Smoothie
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the pineapple under cool running water.
Step 2: Place the pineapple on its side on a cutting board. Cut off the top and bottom.
Step 3: Position the pineapple upright. Slice off the rind, moving from top to bottom. Remove any leftover rind or dark spots.
Step 4: Place the pineapple on its side and slice into equal-sized rounds. Cut each slice into cubes, about 1 or 2 inches wide.
Step 5: Place the pineapple on the baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer.
Step 6: Store the frozen pineapple in a freezer-safe silicone bag.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Expert Tips
Choose ripe pineapple.
Avoid green pineapples at the grocery store. These fruits are unripe, so they won’t have a good flavor or texture.
Look for pineapples that have a mostly yellow peel and bright green leaves.
Cut into chunks or wedges.
If you have a low-powered blender, cut the pineapple into cubes. When frozen, the smaller pieces will be gentler on the blades.
You can cut the pineapple into bigger pieces, about the size of an apple wedge, if you have a more powerful blender.
Remove extra air from the bag.
After packing the freezer bag with pineapple, push out the excess air. This will make the bag easier to close and prevent freezer burn.
Questions You May Have
Remove the leaves and rind, then cut the pineapple into rings. Slice the rings into cubes or spears, then freezer for 1-2 hours before putting in a freezer-safe bag.
When frozen properly, pineapple will last 8-12 months in the freezer. It will have the best flavor and texture if you use it sooner.
Frozen pineapple makes smoothies thick and cold, so it’s best to add it directly.
Related
- 12 Benefits of Eating Pineapple
- Pina Colada Smoothie
- Kale Pineapple Yogurt Smoothie
- Pineapple Ginger Smoothie
- Tropical Smoothie
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How to Freeze Pineapple
INGREDIENTS
- Pineapple
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash the pineapple.Rinse the pineapple under cool running water for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Remove the stems and rind.Place the pineapple on its side on a cutting board. Cut off the top and bottom. Position the pineapple upright. Slice off the rind, moving from top to bottom. Remove any leftover rind or dark spots.
- Cut the pineapple into cubes.Place the pineapple on its side and slice into equal-sized rounds. Cut each slice into cubes, about 1 or 2 inches wide.
- Place the pineapple cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.Keep the cubes separate to avoid clumping. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the pineapple is frozen.
- Put the baking sheet in the freezer.Freeze for 1 to 2 hours, or until the pineapple is frozen.
- Place the frozen pineapple in a freezer-safe silicone bag.Push out extra air and tightly seal the bag. Use within 8-12 months.
NOTES
- Avoid green pineapples at the grocery store. These fruits are unripe, so they won’t have a good flavor or texture. Look for pineapples that have a mostly yellow peel and bright green leaves.
- If you have a low-powered blender, cut the pineapple into cubes. When frozen, the smaller pieces will be gentler on the blades.
- You can cut the pineapple into bigger pieces, about the size of an apple wedge, if you have a more powerful blender.
- After packing the freezer bag with pineapple, push out the excess air. This will make the bag easier to close and prevent freezer burn.