Nothing Goes to Waste – Drying Pineapple Cores

Last year with all the canning I did using pineapples, I never thought to try to utilize the core.  It’s hard, woody, and not very tasty, so the only thing I could think to do with it was throw it in the compost heap.

This year I just couldn’t bring myself to throwing another core away.  There had to be something I could do with it.

Researching what to do with pineapple cores yielded some interesting options such as freezing chunks of it and using it as ice cubes in drinks, throwing it in smoothies, and the option I opted for — drying it.  Last year I dried several pineapples, but not the cores.  This year I dried only the cores.

The salvaged pineapple cores from the pineapples I used to make crushed pineapple.

I sliced them thin because cores are tough and woody.

I put the slices in the dehydrator at 135 degrees for about 12 hours until they were completely dry.

This is what they looked like after they were dry.

The dried core was not woody or tough.  It was not as sweet as when I’ve dried pineapple slices, but it is tasty and will make a nice snack or addition to my granola.

Using as much of any food I buy or grow is important to me, so this project is one I will definitely be doing again.  Another jar of wholesome goodness for the pantry shelf, and for this I am — Simply Grateful.

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