Find the most important etiquette rules on how to serve and eat pineapple and tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest at the dining table.

how to serve and eat pineapple

What pineapple etiquette is

Pineapple etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat pineapple. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow pineapple etiquette to appropriately serve it to your guests.

If you are a guest, respect the pineapple etiquette rules to properly eat and enjoy it.

What you should know about pineapple

Pineapple is an edible tropical fruit from the eponymous tree. It is also known as ananas.

Pineapples have inedible spiky skin. The flesh is bright yellow in color. Its texture is juicy, slightly fibrous, and fragrant. The flavor is sweet with an exotic aroma.

Etiquette tips to serve and eat pineapple

1) How to store pineapple

Store whole pineapples out of the fridge. Keep them in a cool place. Away from sources of heat or direct light. Keep them there for 1 to 3 days.

After slicing it, store the pineapple in the fridge. Place it in a sealed container. It will last for 3 to 5 days. 

In the freezer, pineapple can last for 10 to 12 months.

2) How to clean pineapple

You do not need to wash pineapple.

Once sliced, you can quickly wash the flesh under running water to remove impurities. 

3) How to prepare pineapple 

To prepare a pineapple: 

  • With a sharp knife, remove the top and the bottom of the fruit. 
  • Slice off the skin with downward moves.
  • Remove the brown spots (eyes) with a knife.
  • Slice the flesh.
  • The core is edible but often too hard to eat. You should remove it from each slice.

Pineapple is ideal for desserts, pies, or pastries. Use it in salads or fruit salads. Add it on top of yogurt or ice cream. Squeeze it for its juice and use it in cocktails. 

You can grill or fry pineapple slices. 

Pineapple can go well in savory dishes too. It is a meat tenderizer.

4) How to serve & present pineapples

You can serve pineapple for breakfast, as a snack, or as a fruit course after a meal. 

Serve pineapple in slices or chunks. Present them in a serving bowl, with a serving spoon and fork. Alternatively, you can serve pineapple in individual fruit cups. 

Serve pineapple slightly chilled or at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge between 10 and 30 minutes before serving.

5) Food and wine to pair pineapple with

Pineapples combine well with many aromas. Caramel. Cinnamon. Cilantro. Black pepper. Ginger. Basil. Rosemary.

You can pair pineapple in a fruit salad with several fruits. Tropical fruits are the best choice. Mango. Banana. Coconut. Passion fruit. Pair it with berries, such as strawberry or raspberry. With citruses, such as lime, lemon, or orange

Pineapple can combine well with savory foods too. Pork, ham, roasted duck or chicken, or seafood such as shrimp or prawns

Accompany it with spirits. Such as Rum, Tequila, Vodka, or Brandy. You can pair pineapple with white or sweet wine. Such as Sauternes or white Burgundy. Pineapple does not combine well with most red wines.

6) How to eat pineapples

Eat pineapple with a fork and knife. When pineapple is served in chunks, you can eat it with just a fork or a teaspoon. Avoid eating pineapple with your fingers.

Discard the skin and the core.

Pineapple etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the worst pineapple etiquette mistakes. 

  • 8/10. Serving spoiled pineapple.
  • 7/10. Serving unripe pineapple.
  • 7/10. Eating pineapple with your fingers.

Additional information for properly serving pineapple

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and to correctly plan a menu.

Pineapples contain 50 calories per 100 grams. A medium-sized slice of pineapple weighs around 80 grams and contains about 40 calories.

How to buy the best pineapples

A crucial factor in pineapple etiquette is to serve the best product possible to your guests.

Season and availability 

Pineapples are available all year round.

Choose the best

Look for pineapples that feel heavier than their size. Ripe fruits have a strong and sweet smell. Avoid pineapples with brown or dark leaves.

Sources