Name: Pickled Pineapple Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 20 ounces canned pineapple chunks (or 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into chunks); Syrup from one can of pineapple chunks (or 3/4 cup pineapple juice or water); 3/4 cup vinegar; 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon salt (Kosher salt preferred); 6 whole cloves; 1 4-inch stick cinnamon

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Introduction

Pickled pineapple is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and warm spices that bring a unique twist to fresh or canned pineapple. This easy recipe transforms simple fruit into a flavorful treat perfect as a snack, side, or topping.

A clear glass jar with an orange rubber seal, its lid open and resting on the side, filled with bright yellow pineapple chunks submerged in a yellow liquid, with a dark brown cinnamon stick and darker small clove pieces inside; the jar sits on a white marbled surface with an orange cloth with green leaf patterns slightly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 ounces canned pineapple chunks (or 1 medium pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks)
Syrup from one can of pineapple chunks (or 3/4 cup pineapple juice or water)

3/4 cup vinegar
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt (Kosher salt preferred)
6 whole cloves

1 4-inch stick cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Drain the syrup from the canned pineapple into a saucepan. If using fresh pineapple, measure out 3/4 cup of pineapple juice or water instead.
Step 2: Add the vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the saucepan with the liquid.

Step 3: Add the chopped pineapple to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes. Transfer the pineapple and liquid to a sealed container and refrigerate. For best flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. It will keep covered for up to one week.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh pineapple for a brighter flavor, but canned works well for convenience.

Add a small piece of fresh ginger to the simmering liquid for an extra zing.
Adjust the sugar amount to balance sweetness and tartness according to your taste.
Serve pickled pineapple as a condiment with grilled meats or as a topping for salads and tacos.

Storage

Store pickled pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors deepen after a day or two. Reheat gently if desired, but it is also delicious served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a small white bowl with yellow flower and green leaf patterns, filled with shiny golden yellow cubes that look juicy and slightly translucent. The cubes are layered randomly, some showing small white pieces on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a folded yellow and white striped cloth underneath. The lighting is soft, highlighting the glossy texture of the cubes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works beautifully. Use the juice of about 3/4 cup or substitute with water in the recipe and proceed the same way.

How long should I wait before eating pickled pineapple?

For the best flavor, let the pickled pineapple sit refrigerated for at least 24 hours before eating. This resting time allows the spices and syrup to fully infuse the fruit.