How To Make Pineapple Juice (With or Without Juicer)
How to juice pineapple with or without a juicer. This tangy, sweet, refreshing homemade pineapple juice is perfect for adding to juices, smoothies, cocktails, glazes, and more.
1pineappleabout 2 lb/1 kg; check the blog post for how to choose ripe pineapples
Instructions
Slice off the bottom and top of the pineapple. With the pineapple stood upright, use a long, sharp knife to slice off strips of the peel until it's fully peeled. Then go back in with a smaller paring knife and cut any remaining eye bits.
Chop it into rings, chunks, fingers, etc.- as long as the pieces are small enough to fit your juicer chute/blender jug.You can optionally core the pineapple, though that's fine to juice too, and can even help push the softer pulp through your juicer.
Using a Juicer
Feed the chopped pineapple through your juicer and let it do the work for you.Using this method, one average pineapple will yield almost 3 cups (700 ml) of juice.
Juicer-free Method
Add the pineapple chunks to a high-speed blender jar and blend them into a smooth(ish) puree.Although I didn't add any extra liquid, you could add a small amount of water or coconut water if the pineapple puree needs help to become smooth and to your desired consistency. Alternatively, add the water/coconut water as ice cubes for a pineapple slushy consistency.
If you don’t mind pulpy pineapple juice, you can enjoy it as is. Otherwise, strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve/ strainer. Make sure to squeeze out as much of the juice as you can. Using this method, one average pineapple can yield about 3 ⅓ cups (800 ml) of juice.
Serve and enjoy!
Pour the homemade pineapple juice into your glass of choice and enjoy it garnished with some mint or pineapple wedges!
Storing Instructions
Store: for optimal nutrient absorption and freshness, drink the homemade pineapple juice within 24 hours. However, you can store it in an airtight jug in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freeze: I like to freeze the fresh pineapple juice in portions within a large or extra-large silicone ice cube tray for 4 months. That way, you can thaw just the right amount of frozen pineapple juice (give it a stir/shake before drinking) or even add it directly to a smoothie/slushy. You can also freeze the leftover pineapple pulp similarly, either in an ice cube tray or a reusable Ziplock-style bag.
Video
Notes
For "instant" chilled pineapple juice: place the pineapple in the refrigerator (whole or chopped) before juicing it.
Using the core: if the core is particularly hard, you can omit it from either method, though you can use it for either, generally (though a blender may struggle with it if it's not a high-speed one).
To avoid jamming your juicer: it's actually best to include the core, which will help to push the softer pulp through the juicer.
Pineapple to juice yield: this will vary depending on the exact size of the pineapple. A "standard" pineapple will usually yield about 3 cups of juice (without the pulp).
Reduce waste: there are uses for the leftover pulp, skin, and you could even plant the pineapple top to grow a pineapple plant.
Optional Add-ins:
Sweetener: if your pineapple isn't particularly sweet, you could add a small amount of your favorite sweetener (granulated or liquid, like coconut sugar, honey, agave, etc.). Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol/swerve if preferred.
Lemon/Lime: a small squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice is a wonderful way to brighten the flavor further.
Cumin powder: for an Indian twist add a pinch of cumin.
Mint: serve the juice with a few mint leaves.
Black salt: this doesn't smell great but really works with pineapple juice and pairs well with cumin too.
Salt & Black pepper: it may sound a little odd, but it really works to add that "something extra" to the fresh pineapple juice.
Coconut water: coconut pineapple juice is super tropical. The coconut water dilutes the juice mixture while adding flavor.
Check the blog post for ideas for juice blends and answers to top FAQs!