How to Cut Pineapple...the right way!

Did you know there's more than one way to cut a pineapple? Odds are, you're doing it wrong. And so was I.

Instead of ineffectively attempting to explain how to do it, watch this video. It starts off slow, but wait until 1:40 when your mind will be blown:

I used to pass buy whole pineapples at the grocery store (even on special!) because it always felt so wasteful to buy one and throw what felt like at least half to two-thirds of it away. At the same time, the precut stuff is too expensive to justify.

I did a test using the "right" method of cutting a pineapple and calculated the cost per pound of the pineapple when cut by hand. My original pineapple was on special for $0.99/lb and I determined the price of the cut-by-you pineapple to be $2.50/lb. Compare that to the $4.99/lb at several grocery stores in the area! I'm definitely more likely to buy one as a special treat once in a while knowing how to cut it and the "real" price per pound.

DIY bonus: With proper planning, you can make tepache - a lightly fermented pineapple drink - with the leftover rind and core of the pineapple. (I found a recipe in this book from the library, though there are similar ones online)

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Raspberry Tropical Smoothie

I'm trying to perfect my smoothie technique. When not following recipes and making my own, I tend to over-do it in terms of quantity and end up with 40 ounces of smoothie. But today, success! I had some "tropical" produce around (pineapple, mango, banana) and thought the combination would pair well with some fresh raspberries.

Raspberry Tropical Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 C mango, cubed
• 1/2 C pineapple, cubed
• 3/4 C raspberries
• 1 large orange, juiced
• 6 ice cubes

Method

1. In a blender, combine the mango, pineapple, raspberries, an orange juice until well blended.
2. Add the ice cubes and blend until it reaches a smooth consistency.

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Watermelon Tropical Smoothie

Fun fact that I didn't realize was such a fun fact until recently: I don't like watermelon. I recently tried it juiced, still didn't really like it. But juiced with other ingredients, it's not so bad. So I picked myself up a hunk at the grocery store for just that purpose and made a tropical smoothie. While the color in the end was not so appetizing, it tastes good!

Watermelon Tropical Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups pineapple, cubed
• 1 cup mango, cubed
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 cup blueberry juice

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender on high speed until well blended.

Makes 40oz.

Another fun fact: Equal parts watermelon, pineapple, and mango taste just like cantaloupe...another one of my least favorite fruits ;)

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