Hey there, canning enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the sweet, juicy world of pineapple preservation? Canning pineapple is not only a great way to enjoy this tropical delight year-round, but it’s also super fun! Let’s break down how to can pineapple, step by step, so you can stock up your pantry with delicious, homemade goodness.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Before we jump in, let’s gather our supplies:

• 3 Fresh Pineapples: Make sure they’re ripe and juicy!
• 1½ Cups Pineapple Juice: You can use store-bought or homemade (we’ll get to that later).
• 4 Glass Canning Jars with Rings and New Lids: Ensure they’re clean and sterilized.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to canning, check out my guide to water bath canning. It’s got all the deets you need to get started safely!

Why Now is the Perfect Time

Peak pineapple season runs from March to July, making it the perfect time to grab a bunch of these tropical beauties while they’re on sale. Why not preserve a stash to enjoy all year round? Trust me; it’s worth it!increases. Buy a bunch of pineapples and preserve them to use all year round. I will show you how.

How to Core Fresh Pineapple

First things first: let’s tackle the tough outer rind of the pineapple. Pineapple can be enjoyed in various forms—rings, chunks, or crushed—but you need to start by removing that rind. Here are two tools that can make this process easier, along with my honest reviews:

1. Twisting Corer: This handy tool twists into the pineapple, spiral-slicing it while removing the core. It’s my go-to because it’s super user-friendly and makes chopping a breeze. Just be careful not to twist all the way through; otherwise, you might have a bit of a mess when extracting the core!
2. Press-Down Pineapple Wedger: This one pushes down into the pineapple to extract the core and rind. I find it requires a lot of force and can be tricky to use, often leading to uneven cuts. If you’re looking for ease, I’d stick with the twisting corer.

If you don’t have these tools, no worries! You can easily use a sharp knife to cut away the rind and core. Just remember to save as much juice as possible—it’s essential for preserving the pineapple! A great trick is to place your cutting board inside a cookie sheet to catch all the juice as you cut. Then, pour the juice into a bowl and set it aside.

How to Chop Fresh Pineapple

Once your pineapple is cored, it’s time to chop! I love making pineapple tidbits or chunks. After coring, stack a few slices and slice them into your desired size. Just a heads up: if you stack too many slices, they can slip and slide, making it a little more challenging. I find that working with five or six rings at a time keeps things manageable.

For crushed pineapple, toss the chunks into a food processor and pulse a few times until you reach your desired consistency. It’s that easy!

Making Pineapple Juice for Canning

If you want to get a little creative, you can substitute pineapple juice with apple juice, sugar water, or even plain water. But here’s how to make fresh pineapple juice using the leftover rind and core from your freshly cut pineapples:

1. Gather all the leftover pineapple meat from the rind and place it in a bowl.
2. Chop up the core and add it to the food processor with the meat.
3. Pulse until you create a juicy pulp.
4. Strain the pulp through cheesecloth to extract your homemade pineapple juice.

You’ll need about ½ cup of juice per pint jar, depending on how tightly you pack the pineapple. If you need a little more, just top it off with water!

Filling the Jars

Let’s get those jars ready! Using a canning funnel makes this part a breeze and helps keep things tidy. Pack the pineapple pieces tightly into the jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace at the top. Then, pour the pineapple juice over the fruit, making sure to maintain that headspace.

How to Can the Pineapple

Before you get started, be sure to read my complete guide to water bath canning for all the important details. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:

1. Use sterilized jars, lids, and rings—make sure the lids are brand new.
2. Heat water in a water bath canner until it’s boiling.
3. Pack your jars with the pineapple and fill them to the ½ inch headspace with juice.
4. Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a good seal, then center the lids and tighten the bands until they’re fingertip tight.
5. Lower the jars into the boiling water bath canner, ensuring they’re covered by at least 1 inch of water. Add more hot water if needed.
6. Close the lid and bring the water back to a boil. Process the jars for 15 minutes once it’s boiling hard.
7. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the jars rest for 5 minutes before removing them. Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 24 hours.

Checking Your Seals

Once everything is cool, listen for those satisfying pops! That means your jars are sealed. To check, press down on the center of the lid. If it pops back, it didn’t seal, so store it in the fridge and use it within two weeks. If it’s sealed, remove the bands and store your jars in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months!

Don’t Toss Those Rinds!

Pineapple rinds are often tossed aside, but they have some amazing benefits! Here’s why you should save them:

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The enzyme bromelain in pineapple rinds helps reduce inflammation, making it great for post-surgery swelling and sinus issues.
• Digestive Aid: Pineapple peels can help ease digestion and combat intestinal issues.
• Immune Booster: The vitamin C in pineapple and its skin can help fend off infections.
• Joint Pain Relief: Use rinds in a topical remedy for arthritis relief!
• Vision Protection: The beta carotene and vitamin C found in pineapple rinds can help protect against eye diseases.
• Bone Strength: Rich in manganese, pineapple skins support bone and teeth health.
• Potential Anti-Cancer Properties: Some studies suggest that bromelain and antioxidants in pineapple rinds might help in cancer prevention.

How to Use Pineapple Rinds

1. Pineapple Skin Tea: Brew a refreshing tea using the skins.
2. Topical Remedy: Create a poultice for joint pain relief.
3. Incorporate in Broths: Toss them into your broth for extra nutrients.
4. Smoothies: Blend them into smoothies for a nutritional boost.

Save those rinds in a Ziploc bag and pop them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them!

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