27 Pineapple Recipes That Will Make You Fall for the Sweet, Juicy Fruit

In Season: Don't be deterred by this fruit's prickly exterior; fresh pineapple is the perfect sweet, sunny treat to brighten up any day. Once rare in the United States, pineapple was served only on special occasions, so it became a symbol of hospitality.

 

 

What to Look For: Because pineapple doesn't ripen further after being picked, select a ready-to-eat one. Look for fruit that's heavy for its size, with a rich, sweet fragrance. The leaves should be green and fresh-looking. If you can pull one from the center of the stem with only slight resistance, you'll know it's ripe.

 

How to Store: Ripe pineapple will keep at room temperature for about two days and in the refrigerator (either in a plastic bag or in the crisper) for about four days. The flesh could develop dark spots from temperature changes, so refrigerate pineapple that was bought chilled.

 

How to Use and Cook: Slice away the spiky skin to reveal the juicy golden flesh, and cut it into chunks or rounds. Use raw pineapple in smoothies or salads, or bake in desserts. It's also wonderful for savory fare: An enzyme in pineapple breaks down protein molecules, making it a great meat tenderizer in marinades. Plus, it pairs well with fresh herbs, soy sauce, or chile peppers.

 

Watch how to cut pineapple rings and wedges.

Poach fresh pineapple slices in rum with brown sugar and vanilla bean to create the tropical filling for this tart. To form the perfect lattice crust, weave the strips of dough together on a parchment-lined pan and freeze before transferring to the top of the tart.

A DIY glaze made with fresh pineapple and country mustard sets this Easter ham apart.

Hold the phone! There’s no need to call in your favorite order when you can make Thai food fresh at home.

Bring some island flavor to your standard pork chops. Pureed pineapple chunks and traditional jerk flavorings act as the marinade. The chops are then seared along with some pineapple slices until golden brown.

Vegetable oil subs in for butter in this fruit-topped, vanilla-scented cake, reducing the saturated fat; whole-wheat flour boosts the fiber and lends a nutty flavor.

Put your broiler to good use with this 20-minute recipe, featuring salmon and pineapple pieces brushed with a maple syrup and cayenne glaze. Round out the meal with simple white rice brightened by the addition of chopped cilantro.

Mix this flavored rum with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, or use it in pina coladas or daiquiris. Use the rum-soaked pineapple as a drink garnish or to top ice cream or cake.

Lime zest and juice, minced habanero chiles, honey, and chopped pineapple make a spicy, exotic dressing for this chicken salad.

Sweet pineapple paired with fiber-rich black beans and zingy jalapeno and red onion creates a salsa that will make your palate sing.

Drink up! The fresh ginger in this tropical pineapple smoothie has cancer-fighting powers. Enjoy it as a healthy snack, breakfast, or dessert.

A few minutes under the broiler transforms fresh pineapple into a mouthwatering dessert. Use a cast-iron skillet for maximum caramelization.