3 WAYS TO PRESERVE PINEAPPLE
Let’s learn 3 ways to preserve pineapple!
CANNING PINEAPPLE (0:05)
Mid June-July is the best time of the year to buy pineapple so it is a wonderful time to stock up and preserve to enjoy year round! Sniff the bottom core for a slight sweet smell to ensure that the pineapples are at the perfect level of ripeness for preserving! If they are not quite ready, place in the shade or in indirect sunlight for a few days.
To cut, select two knives - one large and one small. Slice off the top, bottom, and slides with the large knife. Take your short knife to clean up any seeds or spots. Set aside what has been removed for later. Once clean, cut out the core and set aside with other discarded pineapple. Dice remaining pineapple into chunks and prepare to can.
Wash the outside scraps and cores and place in a steamer to pull the flavor down into the water for juice. At the same time, fill a stock pot with water and bring to a boil. Place canning lids and rings into boiling water for 10 minutes.
Remove pineapple scraps from steamer. Scoop 2 cups of juice into measuring container and add 1/4 cup maple syrup for sweetness. Place pineapple chunks and juice into jars. Wipe rims and place hot lid/ring on to finger tightness. Approximately 1 pineapple fits in 1 quart jar. It can be canned in pints as well, whichever your family prefers!
I use a steam canning method to use less water and energy (steam canner linked at the bottom of this page), but you can also use a water bath canner for this process. Process 20-25 minutes, based on altitude.
Remove jars from canner to counter and let completely cool for at least 24 hours to ensure a full seal.
HOMEMADE FRUIT LEATHER (7:08)
Blend pineapple and other fruits as desired. We love berries, peaches, and bananas!
Spread evenly on dehydrator trays to ensure the final product dries evenly. Tuck in dehydrator at 110 degrees for 24 hours. It can also be made in the oven on the lowest setting (typically warm/180 degrees). If using the oven method, the final product would no longer be considered a raw food because of the higher temperature. Still delicious and completely homemade though!
Remove from dehydrator once dried.
Slice with a pizza cutter into 1 inch strips and either roll or tear into small pieces. Different fruits added will create a slightly different end product so experiment with recipes and see what you like best!
Store in airtight container.
DEHYDRATED PINEAPPLE (8:50)
Take a pineapple and remove the outer layers until clean.
Slice into 1/2 inch sections leaving the core intact.
Place on dehydrator tray at 110 degrees for approx. 48 hours. If using an oven, set on warm and check after 6-8 hours. Be aware the oven method will kill the vitamin c content as it is too high.
Remove from trays once done and enjoy! Store in air tight container for up to a year in a cool, dark place.
LINKS MENTIONED
Commercial Dehydrator (SUNSHINEFAMILY saves 10%)
Link coming soon - Countertop Dehydrator