How to Dehydrate Pineapple

Discover how to dehydrate pineapple, whether it's fresh, or frozen - even canned!

Dehydrated pineapple in a round tray

TOP Frequently Asked Questions:

Top question: How to dehydrate pineapple?

Keep reading the page you're on for deets on fresh, frozen, and canned pineapple dehydration.

Dried pineapple rings?

Simply slice your pineapple into rings, and dehydate, following the "fresh" instructions further down this page.

How long do you dehydrate pineapple?

Pineapple takes anywhere from 6 to 12 hours to dehydrate. Please read the full details on this page.

How do you store pineapple?

  • Whole, uncut pineapple can be stored at room temperature for 2-5 days. Keeping it on the counter allows it to continue ripening.
  • For longer shelf life, refrigerate the whole pineapple. It will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days in the fridge.
  • Cut pineapple should always be refrigerated in an airtight container. This prevents oxidation and preserves the flavor.
  • Cover the exposed pineapple flesh with plastic wrap if not stored in a sealed container. Press the wrap gently against the surface.
  • Store cut pineapple chunks in their own juices in the fridge to prevent drying out. Canned pineapple juice works too.
  • Frozen pineapple chunks maintain their texture and taste if stored in airtight freezer bags for 2-3 months.
  • Dehydrate it!

Proper refrigeration is key to maintaining the flavor and extending the shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple. Whole pineapple can stay at room temp for a few days before needing fridge storage.

For long-term storage of dehydrated pineapple, use a food vacuum-sealer and pop in an oxygen abosorber before drawing out the air. See just how easy it is to dehydrate pineapple, coming up!

Food dehydrator pineapple ...

In answer to that keyword search: Yes! Keep reading to learn how easy it is to dehydrate pineapple using an electric dehydrator from fresh, frozen, or canned pineapple!

Pineapple Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: Vitamin C and Vitamin B1 (also known as Thiamine).

MINERALS: Potassium, Manganese, Bromelain (digestive enzymes), Copper, and Folate.

Pineapple also packs a punch in the fiber department.

Picking Pineapple at its Peak!

cutting pineapple on a wooden board

When you're ready to cut up your pineapple, read the tips in the FAQ area at the end of his page, to know exactly when your pineapple is at its peak!

Carefully cut off the crown and save it! Read the tips from "Empress of Dirt" farther down the page on how to grow your own pineapples, indoors, using the top of the pineapple.




Begin by Using a Good Sharp Knife!

Check out this great chef's knife with a full tang that means the handle and blade "are one" so they can't come apart when we're slicin' and a dicin'.

I know these Cutluxe Chef knives may be a little expensive, but they do last pretty much a lifetime when you maintain their cutting edges.

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no price increase to you. Read disclosure here.

Get a Pineapple Corer!

I have a pineapple corer which you screw into the pineapple and out comes a long coil of pineapple, sliced into approx 1/2" thick overall.

So now we're ready to learn how to dehydrate pineapple!

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no price increase to you. Read disclosure here.

How to Dehydrate Pineapple ~ Fresh

  1. Slice into 1/4" to 1/2" thick "rounds" or chunks, uniformly sized
  2. Place the pineapple on your food dehydrator trays
  3. Turn on your dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F (or per your food dehydrator's instructions).
  • Drying time: between 6-12 hours
  • Dehydrated pineapple will feel leathery with no tackiness.
  • Remember to rotate your food dehydrator trays, for even drying.

How to Dehydrate Pineapple ~ Frozen

The way to dehydrate frozen (pre-packaged) pineapple, is to simply allow it to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours (or at a minimum overnight).

Drain away excess pineapple juice/ice water in a sieve in the sink.

Follow the "fresh" steps 2 through 3 above, assuming your thawed pineapple has already been cut into uniform pieces.

How to Dehydrate Pineapple ~ Canned

And for canned pineapple? Simply drain the excess pineapple juice from the can as you pour the canned pineapple into a sieve in the sink and then follow "fresh" steps 2 through 3.

Many people save the canned juice and enjoy it as a beverage with a bit of sparkling water added to it.

Also, the acidity in pineapple makes it great for tenderizing meats for use in marinades, and for sweet and sour dishes like teriyaki chicken, or pork.

Use the left-over pineapple juice in your next smoothie!

Rehydrating Dried Pineapple

To rehydrate dehydrated pineapple, simply soak the pineapple - preferably in its own juice - until it plumps back up, give it about 30 minutes or so.

When using plain water if you need - or want - to add a little sweetness back in, add a bit of sugar or honey to the water, prior to rehydrating your dried pineapple.

Enjoy Indoors or Outdoors!

A male eating pineapple while backpacking

Dehydrated pineapple will be much sweeter than its fresh state due to the water having been evaporated - it condenses the sweetness.

Don't overindulge in this candy-like fruit snack... I know it's tempting.

Having said that, it's a great way to get some energy when you're out hiking in the great outdoors.

Take dried pineapple along with you when you're backpacking!

How to Cultivate Pineapple

Here's how to cultivate a pineapple top and grow your own pineapples!

Simply visit: empressofdirt.net and learn how to nurture roots to form on a pineapple crown.

Empress of Dirt shares how to grow a pineapple indoors!

Best Areas in the U.S. for Growing Pineapples?

  • Hawaii - The tropical climate of Hawaii provides ideal conditions for growing pineapples. The Hawaiian Islands have a long history of pineapple cultivation.
  • Florida - Southern Florida's warm climate allows fresh pineapple production, especially along the coasts. Major pineapple growers are located in Palm Beach County.
  • Texas - Pineapples can be grown in the southernmost and warmest regions of Texas, such as around the Corpus Christi area.
  • California - Some specialty and ornamental pineapple growers are able to cultivate pineapples in greenhouses in Southern California.
  • Puerto Rico - As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico has a suitable tropical climate for pineapple cultivation, especially in the central plains.
  • U.S. Virgin Islands - The hot and humid climate of the Virgin Islands enables pineapple production. Growers are located on St. Croix Island.
  • Louisiana - Minimal pineapple production is possible in the southernmost parts of Louisiana due to elevated temperatures.

The keys to successfully growing pineapples in the U.S. are temperatures above 65°F, high humidity, lots of sunshine, and protection from frost and cold winds. It makes sense, then, that commercial pineapple production thrives best in Hawaii and Florida.

When are Pineapples Ready to Harvest?

  • The pineapple fruit has reached full size and maturity. It will be about 16-20 inches tall and weigh 2-4 lbs.
  • The skin color changes from green to yellow or orange hues. As the pineapple ripens, the skin color becomes more vibrant.
  • The fruit yields a sweet fragrance at the base near the first set of leaves. When lightly pulled, it should release with a bit of resistance.
  • The eyes on the pineapple skin are flat, not sunken or concave. The eyes turning concave is a sign of over-ripeness.
  • The leaves in the center of the plant begin to turn brown and wilt. But the leaves should still be somewhat firmly attached.

Ideally, pineapples should be harvested when the base turns yellow/orange and the aroma is present, but before over-ripeness sets in for maximum sweetness and shelf life after picking.

Thanks for visiting how to dehydrate pineapple; check out all our fruit pages here!