…doesn’t sound too painful, right?! Hi there, you might have seen the news recently about Queensland pineapple growers facing a massive glut. Unseasonal winter rain caused a mass natural flowering event across farms, which means tonnes of beautiful, ripe pineapples are coming online all at once instead of in staggered intervals. Growers are struggling to pick them in time, and sadly, many will go to waste simply because they're ripening faster than they can be harvested and sent to market.
As someone whose two greatest passions are growing food and avoiding food waste, this story has really struck a chord with me. It breaks my heart to think of all that beautiful, fresh fruit going to waste when there's so much we can do with it. The good news? We can help by buying up these gorgeous tropical fruits and using them in our kitchens. And trust me, there's so much more you can do with fresh pineapple than just chop it up for a fruit platter (though that's delicious too!).
How to choose the perfectly ripe pineapple 🍍
When you're at the shops, here's what to look for to pick the perfect pineapple:
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Smell the base – A ripe pineapple should have a sweet, tropical aroma at the bottom. If there's no smell, it's not ripe yet. If it smells fermented or overly strong, it's past its best.
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Check the colour – Look for golden-yellow colour on the skin, particularly at the base. The more golden it is, the riper and sweeter it will be.
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Give it a gentle squeeze – A ripe pineapple should give slightly when you press it, but shouldn't feel mushy or have soft spots.
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Tug on a centre leaf – If it comes away easily, the pineapple is ripe. If it holds firmly, give it a few more days.
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Feel the weight – A ripe pineapple should feel heavy for its size, which means it's full of juice.
Pineapple recipes in your Thermomix 🍹
Let me share some of my favourite ways to use fresh pineapple in your Thermomix machine! I must admit, it’s not the most adaptable fruit when compared to the classic apples and bananas, but geez there’s something pretty special about a fragrant and juicy pineapple.
Start your day with my Pineapple Cashew Cream – it's a tropical smoothie packed with fresh pineapple, bok choy, banana and coconut water. Pineapple is brilliant for digestion thanks to its natural enzyme bromelain, which helps break down protein and supports gut health. You'll find this recipe along with the Lime & Pine-Papaya Smoothie (combining pineapple juice with papaya, lime and kale) in my Super Healthy cookbook. And if you're after a serious wellness boost, try the Liver Tonic from the same book – it combines fresh pineapple and ginger with beet kvass for a powerful detoxifying drink. These recipes are perfect for hot summer mornings when you need something refreshing and nourishing. Want to freestyle your morning Thermomix smoothie? Click here for my free, Thermomix Smoothie Guide. This works perfectly with frozen pineapple (keep reading for my tips on freezing!).
For something fun and refreshing the whole family will love, try my Passionfruit Pineapple Lemonade from my Quick Fix Every Occasion cookbook – just like regular homemade lemonade, but much, much better! Add a shot of gin, vodka or white rum and you’ve got a deliciously refreshing, sophisticated cocktail. Click here for my free Thermomix smoothie guide
Nutrient-packed fresh pineapple juice in your Thermomix 🥤
Now, if you really want to make the most of this pineapple abundance, let me tell you about our Cold-Pressed Juicer Attachment for your Thermomix Machine – it's an absolute game-changer for fresh juice lovers.
This attachment transforms your Thermomix machine into a powerful cold-pressed juicer. Unlike standard centrifugal juicers that generate heat and cause oxidation, cold-pressed juicing gently crushes and presses your fruits and vegetables, preserving all those living enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants. You get a richer, more vibrant juice that supports energy, immunity, digestion, and skin health.
Fresh pineapple juices beautifully in this attachment – it's sweet, tropical, and absolutely delicious on its own or combined with fresh ginger for a zesty morning juice - brilliant for digestion and inflammation. You can even add apple, beetroot, carrot and leafy greens, creating your own custom blends.
One of our customers, Daeleen, shared this with us recently: "I have wanted a cold press juicer for a while now and almost purchased a really good brand last week. I just didn't want another kitchen appliance sitting on my bench. Then I remembered Alyce Alexandra was showcasing one... Easy to use and easy to clean and it tasted delicious... all cleaned up and in the draw and no extra clutter on the bench top."
That's the beauty of this system – all the benefits of a commercial cold-pressed juicer, right from your Thermomix machine, with no extra bench clutter. The Cold-Pressed Juicer is compatible with TM6 and TM5 models, and requires the WunderCentix Axis to operate (sold separately). Click here to learn more about the Cold-Pressed Juicer for Thermomix
Free recipe: Tropical Swirl Icy Poles 🍉
With this beautiful warm weather and all this gorgeous fresh pineapple around, now is the absolute perfect time to make our famous Natural Fruit Swirl Icy Poles!
These beauties are made from 100% pureed fruit with no added sugar – combining mango, pineapple, and watermelon for a stunning swirled effect. They're just like tucking into a wedge of watermelon but way more fun for the kids (and let's be honest, for us too!). Each fruit is blended separately, then layered in the moulds to create that gorgeous tropical swirl.
You can make these in our famous silicone ice cream moulds, and right now we've got our special Discounted Ice Cream Pack that includes 200 free sticks and saves you $$$ off individual prices! The pack includes everything you need to create stunning homemade frozen treats all summer long (without the nasties, or the price tag!). Get the free Natural Fruit Swirl Icy Poles recipe here
Pineapple isn’t just for sweet dishes! 🌮
Don't forget that fresh pineapple is incredibly versatile in savoury cooking too! The Punchy Pineapple Salsa from my Modern Slow Cooker cookbook is brilliant with tacos, grilled fish, or as a fresh accompaniment to any summer meal. The sweetness of pineapple balances beautifully with spicy, savoury, and tangy flavours – it's one of those ingredients that just lifts everything it touches. Click here to browse Modern Slow Cooker cookbook
Tips for freezing pineapple 🧊
This pineapple glut won't last forever, but while fresh pineapples are abundant and affordable at the shops, grab a few extra and freeze for smoothies and juices throughout the year:
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Cut it properly first – Remove the skin and core, then chop the flesh into chunks. I usually do 2-3cm cubes, which are perfect for most uses.
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Flash freeze on a tray – Spread the chunks in a single layer on a lined baking tray and freeze for 2-3 hours until solid. This prevents them clumping together into one giant frozen mass!
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Transfer to containers – Once frozen, transfer the chunks to airtight containers or zip-lock bags. Label with the date and store for up to 6 months.
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Use straight from frozen – No need to thaw! Chuck frozen pineapple straight into your Thermomix.
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Freeze juice too – If you've juiced up a big batch, pour it into ice cube trays for easy portioning later. Pop them out and use in smoothies or let them melt for fresh juice. Or better yet, freeze in our Silicone Push Up Moulds (pictured above) for a homemade Calippo-style frozen treat 🍦
Every pineapple you buy supports a Queensland farming family who's working tirelessly to put fresh food on our plates. And honestly, there's something really special about eating seasonally – it connects us to the land, to the people who grow our food, and to the rhythms of nature. And Mother Nature clearly wanted us eating pineapples at the moment!
As always, happy cooking and wishing you a wonderful week 💕
