Preserved Pineapple (a delicious way of Preserving Pineapple at home for the festive season!)

Pineapple is a fruit which is loved by almost everyone!Its used in various ways from an elaborate cream cake to the quintessential South Indian Rasam (yes we have Pineapple Rasam!) and the best way to enjoy the fruit out of season in to buy the canned fruit slices!

Let me tell you that not everyone finds this convenient as apart from the expiry date and availability issues there is one great problem that maybe everyone swears by – OPENING the can!Again let me tell you that I have never had so much trouble in learning to cook than opening that metal lid.There are two types of cans – one that have the opening ring on them and the ones without it.Sometimes the ring comes away in your hand leaving you with the horrible task of prising a half opened can of pineapple and then you set about with a pair of pliers and a screwdriver and in the process you drip half the syrup on yourself and end up with perfectly broken slices of what were perfectly round and neat Pineapple rings.With the other type which have no rings I have the tool for that but someone has to hold the can while I cut though part of the lid,which will not open after a limit,then cutting myself,shedding blood,sometimes injuring the can holder who will not at all appreciate what is going on!

I have taken anti Tetanus injections 3 times in a row!Which is why I chanced upon this recipe!As the quote goes :

Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue!

Realise your strength!

Move on!

I buy fresh Pineapple when the fruit is in season and preserve it myself these days.I have been doing this for 2 years now and I plan to share with everyone who has had similar experiences like me!This is one of the simplest recipes and believe me this works big time.I made a big batch with 2 big Pineapple fruits as I plan to gift small jars to Christmas visitors!And that is what we call – Season’s Greetings! 

Some pointers for the recipe :

• You can cut the fruit into any shape – spears,cubes,triangles or how I did – the random cuts!If you are a pro and can slice the fruit into perfect rings like the canned ones then more power to you!Go ahead!
• If you have the advertised Pineapple corer which works as well then use it!Sky is the limit!
• Store the Pineapple slices preferably in glass bottles.
• Keep the Pineapple refrigerated.If you are a frequent traveller and prefer to shut down your refrigerator on trips then make small quantities.
• You can add 2 – 3 tbsp of liqueur to the syrup like white Rum or Vodka but it will eradicate the taste of Pineapple to a large extent!Helps if you want a burst of Pina Colada sometimes ;)!
• Use the preserve in cream cakes (called pastries in India),jam,jelly,ice cream,for puddings,in cakes,toppings and even Indian desserts like Sheera and Kulfi!Have it just like that for a great dessert which some whipped cream (optional)!
• There is a special way to cut the Pineapple.In metros the fruit vendor will do it for you,however if you want to do it yourself or you do not have help then have a look at my recipe of Pineapple and Mint Jelly where I have shown the steps on how to slice a Pineapple :

Pineapple and Mint Jelly

Preparation Time : 30 minutes

Makes : Approximately 500 gms of Preserved Pineapple

INGREDIENTS

1 big Pineapple (Yielding 2 cups of chopped/sliced fruit)

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup sugar

2 tbsp liqueur of your choice (optional)

METHOD

Boil the water with the sugar.Bring to a rolling boil and add the Pineapple.Stir well and bring to another boil.

You can place all the three ingredients in a vessel and place inside a pressure cooker and cook for 1 whistle.

Take off heat and leave to cool for 15 minutes.

Prepare a clean glass bottle by wiping it thoroughly with a clean cloth or kitchen towel.

Add the liqueur here to the Pineapple slices if you are using it and mix well.

Ladle the Pineapple slices with the syrup into the bottle and cover with a clean kitchen towel till it comes to room temperature.Put the lid on and refrigerate!

Use as needed.