vacu vin pineapple slicer

To celebrate the start of summer I present the Vacu Vin pineapple slicer, the most essential kitchen gadget since the lime juicer. Fresh pineapple is nutritious (it is a great source of fiber, and it contains micro-nutrients and bromelain) and, more importantly, it is delicious. However, pineapples are a pain to shell and core. The work is messy, time consuming and, if your knife isn’t sharp, dangerous.

You can pay more and buy fresh, pre-sliced pineapple, but with the Vacu Vin slicer you will actually have fun cutting your own. For best results, pick a ripe (but not over-ripe) pineapple, lop off the top, and then twist the slicer like a corkscrew. It separates the core, separates the flesh from the shell and spiral cuts the fruit. The result is continuous ring ½” thick - kind of like a pineapple slinky. As a bonus, the shell is in tact for your decorative needs.

Amazon sells the standard version for $9.98. Vacu Vin has also developed a stainless steel model of the product, but it is not yet available from Amazon, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table or Cooking.com. This store carries it, though.