Canning Pineapple

Pineapple just doesn't usually have a long shelf-life.  Like with tomatoes, the acid eats right through the can. 

Home canning pineapple in glass takes care of that problem so that you can have pineapple further into a long-term grid-down situation.  However, pineapple's never been a popular fruit for home canning.  In the places where it grows, it's available fresh year-round, so there's no need to can it.  Generally, in the places where it doesn't grow, which is where most of us live, it's expensive, making it a fruit that we don't stock up on. 

But a few times a year, fresh pineapple goes on a great sale.  I can't pass it up when it's only 99 cents.  It's hard not to come home with a dozen to can and dehydrate.  So I try to restrain myself and only come home with eight.  But I often fail, especially if they're smelling really good. 

However, you really shouldn't start off making a huge batch.  Give it a try first.  Home-canned pineapple has a decidedly different texture and taste.  I find it still acceptable and so do the kids, but I can see where others might not be so enthusiastic.

To pick the best pineapple, check the bottom.  There should be no mold.  Now sniff.  Does it smell like a nice, ripe pineapple?  If so, you want it.  If it smells a little fermented, pass.  If there's no smell at all, it might still be great, but it might also be blah.   The Hawaiians teaching us how to choose pineapples all said that color was no indication of ripeness, but I still think a pineapple with a touch of yellow is best.

Basically, canning pineapple is a lot like canning most other fruits.  Cut or slice the pineapple as desired--slices, chunks, or tidbits.  Simmer pineapple in a light sugar syrup until tender and pack hot into jars.  Leave 1/2-inch headspace and add boiling syrup, also with 1/2-inch headspace.  Adjust lids and bands and process in a boiling water bath, 15 minutes for pints or 20 minutes for quarts, or longer depending on altitude.   

Links to related posts:
Dehydrating Pineapple

 2.22.20