Can You Freeze Canned Pineapple? [Tested & Detailed Guide]

Canned pineapple is not a recent invention. The earliest mention of canning pineapples dates back to 1882.

Duane Bartholomew writes that the Kona Fruit Preserving Co. would send samples of pineapple in cans to Honolulu.

The pineapples would reach their destination still fresh and sweet, thus, solidifying the use of cans to store pineapples.

Practically, canned pineapples take away the hassle of peeling, coring, and slicing a pineapple.

And it is beneficial for people who are allergic to raw pineapple because you can use it without directly handing it in.

Pineapple is used in cakes, ambrosia, and as controversial toppings on pizzas.

The fruit adds an exciting burst of sweetness and acidity. It is why different cuisines like Thai and Caribbean use it as a critical ingredient.

Now, what do you do if you want to store the canned pineapple after opening it? Can you freeze Canned Pineapple to keep it for longer? Well, yes, you can.

Read on to find out.

Does Freezing Affect Canned Pineapple?

No, freezing will not affect your canned pineapple in any negative way.

It may make it harder, but you can thaw out the pineapples reasonably quickly.

What we mean is, freezing will not affect the taste or the freshness of your pineapple.

Instead, it will make sure your canned pineapple stays good as new for a later occasion.

Hawaiian Crown says that you can freeze pineapples. But freeze them only after peeling and slicing or cutting them up.

Luckily canned pineapples are already peeled, and most of them come as sliced discs or chopped cubes.

But is there a reason to freeze them? Well, yes.

The US Food Safety and Inspection Service say that enzymic activity is an important chemical activity that helps plants ripen.

Incidentally, it continues to work even after harvest and causes the rotting of food items.

Pineapples happen to be very rich in the digestive enzyme bromelain.

Bromelain is only found in the pineapple plant and is the reason why people are allergic to pineapple.

Or why our skin becomes raw after touching pineapples.

However, when you freeze the pineapples, it stops the growth of microbes and slows down any enzymic activity.

Thus, it prolongs the life of your canned pineapples by preventing them from decomposing.

How to Freeze Canned Pineapple?

Freezing is a great option to stow away canned pineapple. Depending on how you want to freeze it, there are different methods.

However, storing it in the can that it comes in is a bad idea. The can will rust or deform in the freezer.

Even if you haven’t opened the can, you should transfer it anyway. According to Survival Freedom, an unopened can bloat, which may cause the seal to break.

Here are two different methods to store canned pineapple.

Freeze Canned pineapple with the juice

Step 1:

Get an air-tight container to store your canned pineapple. Preferably microwaveable and oven safe.

Get a container of a good size since the canned pineapple may expand while freezing.

Unless your zip bag is very durable, we don’t recommend storing it in one.

Step 2:

Pour all the contents of the can into the container.

Keep at least an inch of space between the liquid level and the container’s rim for expansion.

Step 3:

Seal the container tight. And before putting it in the freezer, label it with the date.

Step 4:

Store it in the main freezing chamber. And unless your freezer keeps a constant temperature of 0°F, use the canned pineapple within two months of freezing.

Freezing Canned Pineapple without Juice

Step 1:

Depending on what of a freeze you want, you can either choose to rinse or not rinse the pineapple.

Rinsing gives a clean freeze without any sugar crystals.

Step 2:

Lay a parchment paper over a baking sheet—next, layout all the canned pineapple onto the parchment.

Make sure your pieces are not overlapping or touching each other.

Step 3:

Put the tray into the freezer. Freezing the pieces will take about 2 hours.

Step 4:

To save space:

• Transfer the frozen pineapple into a container or a bag.
• Label the dates and then put them back into the freezer.
• Again, use within 2months if the temperature is not a constant 0°F. .

How to Thaw Frozen Canned Pineapple?

For thawing frozen pineapple with the juice, you will have to thaw out the whole container.

You will not remove the pineapple, and trying to break through the frozen liquid will damage the pineapple.

If you’ve frozen the pineapple without the liquid, take out what you need and then thaw it.

Never thaw the whole container or bag unless you are going to use it all.

It is because refreezing pineapple will make it mushy and cause it to lose flavor.

And it may also cause contamination. Here are a few methods to thaw your frozen, canned pineapple:

Use an oven.

• Preheat your oven to about 250°F.
• Leave your container or bowl in the oven for about 5-10 minutes.
• Keep checking to see if your pineapple is thawing.
• Do not stir, as it can make your pineapple mushy.

Use a Microwave.

You can use this method if you are fine with slightly warm pineapple or if you want to cook your pineapple.

To thaw:

• Put your container into the microwave oven.
• Set your microwave to the highest setting and let it run for 20 seconds.
• If it still hasn’t thawed out, put it back for 10 seconds more.

Let it sit. Leave it out on the counter or a table to thaw for a few hours.

Preferably overnight or for the whole day. However, you must not stir or agitate the pineapple.

Use a Bowl of Water.

Place the container in a bowl of room temperature water.

This will help bring up the temperature of the frozen pineapple faster.

Try exchanging out the water in the bowl frequently as it becomes cold.

You can go from lukewarm to warm as the pineapple starts to thaw.

However, keeping it in warm water for too long may leave you with warm, mushy pineapple, so be diligent.

Conclusion

Freezing canned pineapple is possible and is beneficial.

Not only does it keep the flavor, but it also prevents it from going bad.

Besides, freezing is another great option if you have some that you want to save for later.

Depending on what you will use the pineapple for, you can freeze with or without the juice.

Just remember that thawing frozen liquid will be a bit harder than just the pineapple alone.

Also, remember never to refreeze your canned pineapple once it’s thawed.

Frozen pineapple is pretty versatile as well.

It works great in smoothies and fruit bowls when frozen, and you can also thaw it out for different dishes.

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