I love Aldi. In fact, I haven’t been to the farmers market in almost 2 months because I’m getting such good deals at Aldi. It’s been awhile since pineapples have been 99 cents each, so I had to stock up. I dehydrated four pineapples, made 5 pints of crushed pineapple, and canned several quarts of pineapple chunks. I actually have 4 more to dehydrate – – I put them in the fridge to slow ripening until I returned from a camping trip.
One medium sized pineapple fits in one quart jar. I don’t use a heavy syrup to can pineapple, and in fact the acidity is so high, water can be used. However, a light syrup helps maintain the quality. I use an extra-light syrup. You will see other instructions directing to heat the pineapple for 10 minutes first, but I have never used that method. I think it’s fussy, and it makes the pineapple too soft. A raw pack gives a better quality.
Canning pineapple is easy. First, cut up the pineapple into desired chunks. Cut into tidbit size, or into bigger chunks. It doesn’t matter. Make sure your pineapple is ripe enough. You don’t want sour pineapple. I can tell when my pineapples are ripe when the leaves start looking raggedy, and the bottom of the pineapple starts to turn colors.
Because these quarts are going to be water bath canned for more than 10 minutes, you don’t need to sterilize the jars. Fill clean quart jars with pineapple chunks to the 1 inch line.
For 6 quarts, combine 11 cups of water and 2 1/2 cups of sugar. Bring to a slow boil until sugar is dissolved. Fill jars with syrup to the 1/2 inch line. Make sure to get all air pockets out by sticking a chop stick or another tool down in the jar. Adjust liquid level if changed. Wipe jar rim clean, and place lids (always new) and rings on pineapple. Water bath can for 20 minutes.
This week, my Aldi has oranges on sale for 45 cents a pound. Guess who is canning oranges? In fact, I might take one of my pineapples and can a pineapple/orange mix. Canning is fun – – get creative while saving money!
try a blend of orange and apricot juice instead of pineapple not as acid and very delicious
This sounds easier than I would have thought!
Callie, oranges only take 10 minutes to process! Canning is very easy, and fun!
Hi Laura, when you can pineapple this way should the water in the canner be cold when you put the jars in?
Hi Tiffany! The water in the canner should be approximately the same of the liquid in your jars, otherwise you risk jars breaking. Also, always a good idea to bring your canner up to temp slowly – I start mine on medium heat.
Our Aldi pineapples are $1.29!
For the past two weeks, pineapples at my Aldi have been 99 cents. I’m sure starting today they are back up in price. However, I’m excited about the oranges for 45 cents a pound!