Article update 2016: Check out my video on how to use this handy gadget To Core A Pineapple.

How often do you walk past the fresh pineapple display at the market simply because you don't want to make a mess getting the fruit out of its prickly shell? Once you use a pineapple coring gadget, the mess goes away revealing fresh, tasty, juicy meat loaded with antioxidants and other health benefits.

Check out this How-To Core A Pineapple demo showing the ease of using a pineapple corer/ peeler / cutter / slicer; check out the simple and neat process beginning with the upper, left-hand corner photo and moving to the right. NOTE: Scroll down for demonstration details.

1. Along with the pineapple corer (see ad below if you don't already own one of these gadgets), you will need a cutting board, a sharp knife, a bowl, and a kitchen towel placed under the cutting board and bowl to catch extra juice.

2. Place the pineapple on its side and cut off the "crown" top; about 1.5 to 2 inches down from where the crown meets the top of the pineapple.

3. Stand the pineapple upright in the bowl. TIP: If it is wobbly, slice a THIN layer off the bottom to create a flat surface.

4. Center the corer over the open flesh of the fruit.

5. Slowly begin to turn the corer. HINT: This is the same action as turning a corkscrew into a wine bottle. TIP: You will have to place a bit of pressure on it as you screw down into the fruit.

6. As you continue turning the corer, you will know it's working because the flesh of the fruit will climb up the column of the corer.

7. When the column is covered with pineapple rings, begin to pull (or wriggle) the column holding the pineapple out of its skin. TIP: Do this slowly to avoid juice from going all over; work inside and over the bowl. 

8. After you've separated the fruit from its shell, release the handle of the corer gadget, then turn the corer over (upside down). Slide the rings down into the bowl. TIP: To maintain the "stack" shape and avoid pineapple chunks, use the knife to help the rings slide off the column.

EASY! CLEAN & NEAT! Store the fruit in an airtight container with its natural juice, strain the meat when using it for fruit salad, baking, cooking, etc. Do you love fresh pineapple? How do you use it in cooking? Know someone who does? Share this article with them!

BONUS: Now that you have freshly cut pineapple, you can use it to bake Pineapple Coconut Angel Food Cake. This is an easy tropical treat that is perfect for summer!