Pieced Pineapple

If you yank a leaf from the top of a pineapple and it comes out easily, the fruit is ripe. I also like to check the stem end. If it’s moldy, I move on.

Pineapple Salsa

1 pineapple

1 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/3 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (Cilantro is ALWAYS optional)

1 small jalapeño, minced (If you want to reduce the heat, skip the seeds and the inner membranes)

Juice of 1 lime

kosher salt

Halve pineapple lengthwise, leaving stem intact. Slice fruit around the perimeter, angling knife towards the middle, then make a few cuts across. Scoop chunks out with a spoon and chop into small pieces. Transfer pineapple to a large bowl and mix in peppers, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. Season with salt, then transfer back into the pineapple bowls. Serve with tortilla chips.