Can You Freeze Fresh Pineapple?
It’s time to get ready for summer and you may be wondering if it is possible to freeze fresh pineapple! Can I freeze fresh this delicious juicy fruit? Yes, of course – it can be frozen in its natural state (fresh) or cut up. Freezing the fruit helps keep the flavor intact and will make your food taste and smell amazing.
Today I’ll be sharing the health benefits of pineapple, how to store and eat frozen pineapple, along with great tips on freezing fresh pineapples.
What’s the Health Benefits of Pineapple?
Pineapple is loaded with bromelain which has anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit also contains manganese, vitamin C, and B vitamins that are essential to the body’s metabolism process. Pineapple pieces can help reduce swelling after surgery, help ease digestion by and can help reduce high cholesterol. It’s also low in sodium and cholesterol and high in dietary fiber.
Nutrition Calories of Pineapple
One cup of pineapple chunks contains 99 calories. If you follow the weight watchers’ plan then this fruit is a zero-point food.
Each cup of fresh, raw pineapple chunks contains 20 grams of carbohydrates (includes 15 grams of sugar) and 13 milligrams of potassium.
Does Frozen Pineapple Have the Same Benefits as Fresh?
You bet! Pineapple is a nutritious fruit that can easily be frozen. It’s great to have on hand in the summer months and freeze so you always have some at home. Because pineapple freezes so well, there are no nutrient losses from fresh pineapples.
Does Freezing Pineapple Destroy Bromelain??
No, freezing this juicy fruit does not destroy bromelain. It helps the fruit last longer by hindering its enzymatic activity and making it more difficult for bacteria to grow on the fruit’s surface during storage (source).
Freezing pineapples will not affect the sweetness. Frozen fruit in my opinion tastes even better and makes a great addition to a fruit salad.
Is Pineapple Good for You Every Day?
Pineapple is a great addition to your diet every day. It’s nutritious, delicious, and can help prevent disease if eaten in moderation. However, too much of anything isn’t good so you should limit the amount that you eat daily!
What does fresh pineapple taste like? Fresh pineapples are juicy and packed full of flavor. The taste is sweet, tangy, and tart all at the same time. Pineapple is great on its own, in recipes and especially in smoothies.
Where Do Pineapples Grow?
Pineapples grow on plants that are native to the tropics. They thrive in conditions where it is very warm and humid with lots of water. Pineapple fields can be found around the world including Central America, South America, Jamaica and Hawaii.
When I lived in the Pacific Island of Tonga there was an abundance of pineapple and we loved to freeze it and add it to our fruit salad.
How to Tell if a Pineapple Is Ripe?
If you want to know if a pineapple is ripe, it’s easy! A ripe pineapple will give slightly when pressed. It should also have a sweet smell that permeates the room as soon as you open up the fruit – no peeling required.
The best way to check a whole pineapple at the supermarket is to gently press it with your finger. If the fruits skin bounces back it is a ripe pineapple.
How to Cut a Pineapple Correctly
How do you cut fresh pineapple? It’s best to use a sharp knife or serrated blade as you peel and cut your pineapples because this will help prevent it from getting mushy on the inside – trust me… no one wants that!
Cut the Pineapple
- Cut off the top and bottom of your fruit with a sharp, heavy knife.
- Cut off both ends so you have a flat base to work on.
- Stand the fruit up and slice it in half lengthwise – this will give you two equally-sized halves that can be sliced into spears or rings for serving.
Be sure to cut pineapple from top to bottom and use a chopping board to help keep your fruit steady and avoid waste.
How to Freeze Pineapple:
Begin by slicing your fruit into rings or small pieces depending on your preference.
Place onto your baking tray so they don’t touch and place in the freezer for about an hour to flash freeze.
You may want to use wax paper or parchment paper on your baking tray. Wax or parchment paper makes it easy to transfer the fruit once frozen.
Using a Baking Tray or Cookie Sheet
Once the pineapple pieces and slices are frozen take them off the cookie sheet. Spreading pineapple out on the tray ensures your pineapple doesn’t stick together in one large clump.
Place all of your pineapple slices into a large plastic zip lock bag and seal it tight.
How to Freeze Pineapple Chunks
Begin by peeling and coring the pineapple. Cut into large chunks to ensure that they don’t get squashed in the process of freezing them!
Use Freezer Bags
Just like when you freeze pineapple slices, you will need to place the pineapple chunks onto a baking tray so they don’t touch. Flash freeze for one hour before transferring to your freezer bag.
Can You Freeze Pineapple Rings and Pineapple Chunks Together?
So how do you freeze fresh pineapple slices and pineapple chunks at the same time? Is it possible?
Yes, it is possible to freeze pineapple rings and chunks together. Place the pineapple pieces and slices separately on a single layer on the baking sheet as suggested then pop your delicious fruit into your freezer bag after an hour.
Whilst I prefer to use a freezer bag you can store fresh fruit in a plastic container.
How to Freeze Crushed Pineapple
To freeze crushed pineapple pieces pour them into a reusable storage bag and seal it. Then, just like the other fruits you’ve frozen place them into your freezer and allow them to freeze overnight. You can freeze both crushed pineapple that is fresh or crushed pineapple from a can.
Does Fresh Pineapple Freeze Well?
Yes, fresh pineapple freezes well and will taste amazing when thawed out.
How Long Does Frozen Pineapple Last in the Freezer?
Pineapples can be frozen, but they won’t last for very long because the natural fruit sugars will begin to change into starches. For this reason, it’s best to freeze pineapple for only one month.
How to Eat Frozen Pineapple:
You can eat frozen pineapple by thawing for 30 minutes on the counter before eating or microwaving it in short increments until soft enough to bite into. You can also place your whole rings or spears onto a baking tray and place them into the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. If you want to eat them straight from the freezer, just be sure to let them thaw on the counter before eating!
Preventing Freezer Burn
To prevent freezer burn when placing your sheet in the freezer ensure that your freezer is set at the right temperature. Also ensure you are using freezer-safe containers and that the freezer is not overfull.
How Do You Store Leftover Canned Pineapple Juice?
Canned pineapple juice will keep for up to two weeks in the fridge. You should also be able to freeze any leftover canned juice – just pour it into an airtight container and pop it in your freezer!
So What Can You Make With Frozen Pineapple?
Frozen pineapple is great to use in smoothies, on top of cereal, or simply just by itself! You can also make some amazing desserts with it.
Frozen pineapple juice makes a fantastic popsicle that the whole family will love – just pour into any mold and freeze for about three hours before enjoying it!
Check out this super cute Pineapple Shaped Silicone Mold – Perfect for freezing crushed pineapple.
Best Way to Defrost Frozen Pineapple
The best way to defrost frozen pineapple is by allowing it to sit out and thaw on the counter. You will need about 30 minutes for every pound of your frozen fruit so plan accordingly!
How to Make a Pineapple Smoothie Using Frozen Pineapple:
To make a pineapple smoothie, place the frozen chunks or pineapple slices in your blender along with some juice (you can use any kind of fruit juice) and blend for about two minutes until perfectly blended! Pour it out into glasses to serve – this will make enough for at least three.
You might also want to mix it with coconut cream and make a virgin pina colada! They are so good!
Make Pineapple Flavoured Ice Cubes
Pineapple ice cubes are amazing and are easy to make. Simply freeze your leftover pineapple liquid in an ice cube tray. Then, pop them out of the tray and store them in a container with a lid until you need to use them! Frozen Pineapple Ice Cubes tastes delicious.
Pineapple Recipes to Cook or Make
What are some recipes that include pineapple?
Pineapple is commonly used in Asian dishes, especially Thai recipes. It’s also good to use when baking cakes or any kind of dessert! You can use it as a topping on toast and sandwiches – the options are endless!
Here are some fantastic recipes that can use frozen or thawed pineapple!
- Vegan Pineapple And Mango Tacos
- Weight Watchers Zero Point Pineapple Salsa
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Pina Colada Popsicles
- Pineapple Chicken
- Fruit Salad In A Pineapple Boat
Freezing Pineapple Is a Great Way to Be Frugal!
Freezing pineapple is a great way to be frugal! It means you won’t need to spend money on the fruit when it’s not in season. You also never know how much fresh produce will cost at any given time! Store up leftover pineapple in your fridge so it doesn’t go to waste and enjoy a refreshing pineapple smoothie or meal in no time.
