Don't Bother Cutting A Pineapple Unless You Flip It Upside Down First

To take full advantage of pineapple season, which runs from March to July, it's best to buy your fruit fresh. And whether you're making pineapple salsa, pineapple teriyaki chicken boats, or just eating the sweet, juicy cubes by themselves, it's important to know how to cut into these large, spiky fruits. But before you even get your knife out, you'll want to make sure to flip your pineapple upside down.

Why? It ensures the juices, and therefore the sweet flavors, are distributed evenly throughout. The base of the fruit (which was near the tree before it was picked) tends to be where the sugars congregate, so if you skip this step, any cubes cut from the top of the pineapple may be a little more bland and shriveled. Pineapples won't get any riper after they're picked, so to ensure the juiciest fruit possible, plan ahead and store yours upside down as soon as you get home from the grocery store.

When it comes to preparing your pineapple, you know the leafy, prickly tops don't exactly provide a great base for storing the fruit upside down. So first, you'll want to make sure to cut the top off, then flip the pineapple upside down onto a plate. Next, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil so all those juices don't seep out. 

Even storing it in the fridge half an hour before you intend to cut it will have positive effects, but if you can, try letting it rest for a few days ahead of time for juicier, sweeter, and more flavorful results. You can also try storing it this way at room temperature; it's up for debate if refrigerating it really does anything related to juiciness, but the cold may make the pineapple stay fresh for longer.

Once the juices have had a few days to ruminate, your pineapple will be ready to be used for your favorite recipes. Slice your pineapple into one-inch thick pieces and grill them up for a sweet treat or turn them into a pineapple upside-down cake.