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Learn all the tips and tricks for how to freeze pineapple to build a freezer stash of this incredible fruit. Freezing pineapple is a great way to preserve without needing to know any special kitchen skills.
Want to enjoy that juicy and sweet taste of pineapple all year long? Of course, you do!
Grab a few extras next time you catch a great sale, and let me walk you through the simple process of freezing pineapple!
Check out our other delicious pineapple recipes – how to can pineapple and pineapple jam.
Can You Freeze Pineapple?
Yes! Pineapple lends itself beautifully to freezing. And because fresh pineapple only lasts 2-3 days in the fridge, throwing a baking sheet of pineapple chunks into the freezer is a fantastic way to prevent food waste.
Having a stash of frozen pineapple in your freezer essentials opens up the opportunity for so many amazing meals, snacks, or desserts. And don’t just freeze the juicy part of the pineapple! We are saving the core too.
How to Freeze Pineapple
*I’ll walk you through it here with some photos and tips, and you’ll also find a printable recipe card at the bottom of the post with exact measurements, etc. You can also click “jump to recipe” to skip down.
How to Cut a pineapple
Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the crown and base off of the pineapple.
With the pineapple on its base, cut down the sides to remove the skin on all sides. Cut the pineapple in half length-wise and then cut each half in half again.
Using a knife, remove the woody core. Set aside. Cut the quarters into the desired size.
How to freeze pineapple Slices and pineapple core
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat. Cut the pineapple into desired sizes of slices or cubes.
Lay pineapple pieces on the parchment. Use the space efficiently, but try not to let them touch too much. If you are short on space in the freezer, you can lay another piece of parchment over the top of the sliced pineapple and top with additional pineapple.
Place the tray in the freezer. Allow the pineapple to freeze through (~2 hours) and then transfer to a freezer-proof storage container.
How to freeze Pineapple juice
Blend the pineapple chunks in a blender or food processor or run the pineapple through a juicer.
I recommend freezing pineapple juice in single-serve portions. This allows you to not have to thaw a ton of juice when you only need a bit.
You can pour pineapple juice into half-pint or wide-mouth pint mason jars, 1-cup Souper Cubes, ice cube trays, or freezer bags.
Pro tip: if using mason jars, allow for 1 inch of space between the top of the pineapple juice and the top of the jar’s rim.
Thaw frozen jars of pineapple juice at room temp or in the fridge overnight. Do not heat a frozen jar in hot water or the microwave as it might crack.
How to freeze Pineapple puree
Place pineapple chunks in a food processor or blender and use “pulse” instead of blend. This will chop the pineapple into a puree instead of liquifying it.
I recommend freezing pineapple puree the same way as freezing pineapple juice – half-pint or wide-mouth pint mason jars, 1-cup Souper Cubes, ice cube trays, or freezer bags.
How to Use Frozen Pineapple
Frozen pineapple is great for our Pineapple Jam, Frozen Smoothie Packs, and Frozen Pineapple Mocktail.
I specifically use the pineapple core in Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce, Sugar Free Barbeque Sauce, and Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli. Pineapple core is also fantastic in smoothies because the tougher fibrous texture blends up well.
How to thaw frozen pineapple
In many cases (smoothies, using as drink garnishes, etc.,), pineapple is best kept frozen. But if you need to thaw pineapple slices for baking, you can leave them on the counter for a few hours, or microwave slices/segments on 50% power for 60 seconds.
frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Pineapple is a perfect candidate for the freezer. They’re a frequently used ingredient that is great to have in your freezer stash.
Frozen pineapple tastes just as delicious as fresh pineapple!
Due to the texture change that happens during the freezing process, I wouldn’t put frozen pineapple on a fruit tray, but it’s amazing incorporated into smoothies, baked goods, and other recipes.
Frozen pineapple will last for 6-12 months in the freezer. If you have a deep freeze, storing it in there would be most effective and they will last longer than in a fridge/freezer combo.
Pro tips/recipe notes
- If freezing pineapple juice in glass jars, you’ll want to choose wide-mouth jars and leave 1 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. This allows the juice to expand while it freezes and prevents the jars from cracking. Thaw at room temp or in the fridge overnight. Do not heat a frozen jar in hot water or the microwave as it might crack.
MORE KITCHEN TRICKS YOU’LL LOVE:
- Blanched Green Beans {How to Freeze Green Beans}
- How to Freeze Garlic
- Freezing Peppers
- Freezing Strawberries
- How to Freeze Celery
- Freezing Apples
- Freezing Zucchini
- How to Freeze Cranberries
- Freezing Pesto
- Freezing Corn on the Cob
- Freezing Spinach
- Freezing Raspberries
- How to Freeze Onions
- Check out all my canning recipes!
- Check out my Homemade Seasonings page
Freezing Pineapple
Ingredients
- Pineapple
Instructions
Freezing Pineapple Slices/Core
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silpat.
- Cut pineapple to desired sizes of slices or cubes (see notes below for step by step guide on how to cut a pineapple).Pineapple
- Lay pineapple pieces on the parchment. Use the space efficiently, but try not to let them touch too much.
- Optional: Lay another piece of parchment on top of the pineapple and top with an additional layer. You can do up to three layers on the same baking sheet before it becomes precarious.
- Place tray in the freezer.
- Allow the pineapple to freeze through (~2 hours) and then transfer to a freezer-proof storage container. Will keep in the freezer for 6-12 months.
Freezing Pineapple Juice
- Blend the pineapple chunks in a blender or food processor or run the pineapple through a juicer.
- Transfer juice to wide-mouth glass jars (leaving 1-inch of headspace) fitted with a lid, silicone freezer trays, or carefully pour into freezer bags.
- (If using bags), carefully remove excess air, and seal completely. Place flat on a baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours.
- To save space, stack frozen bags of juice on top of each other in the freezer or stacked vertically in a small container.
Freezing Pineapple Puree
- Place pineapple chunks in a food processor or blender and use “pulse” instead of blend. This will chop the pineapple into a puree instead of liquifying it.
- Transfer puree to wide-mouth glass jars (leaving 1-inch of headspace) fitted with a lid, silicone freezer trays, or carefully pour into freezer bags.
- (If using bags), carefully remove excess air, and seal completely. Place flat on a baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours.
- To save space, stack frozen bags of puree on top of each other in the freezer or stacked vertically in a small container.
Notes
- Cut the crown and base off of the pineapple.
- With the pineapple on its base, cut down the sides to remove the skin on all sides.
- Cut the pineapple in half length-wise and then cut each half in half again.
- Using a knife, remove the woody core. Set aside.
- Cut the quarters into desired size.
- Cut core into 1 to 2-inch pieces.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
