How To Core Apples or Pears Quickly and Easily

This is a quick tip, one that we've mentioned before. But we used it again last night, and it just works so well!

I made poached pears last night for a dessert, and I used a melon baller to scoop out the seeds and core in the center of each pear half. The melon baller is sharper than a spoon, and just the right size to scoop out the seeds. It's quick, easy, and looks very neat. It also doesn't take too much of the fruit: it just takes the inedible bits and leaves the rest.

I've started coring apples this way too, when I am just slicing them up for a snack. It seems to leave more of the apple to enjoy!

Do you have other tasks you use a melon baller for?

Related: In Praise of the Melon Baller

(Images: Faith Durand)

Categories: Supplies, Advice, Cookware, Fruit, Tips & Techniques

Posted by Faith Durand

Faith Durand is the executive editor of The Kitchn and the author of Bakeless Sweets: Pudding, Panna Cotta, Fluff, Icebox Cake, and More No-Bake Desserts. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.
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Comments (1)

I also use a melon baller for coring apples and pears. When I had my braces, I used the melon baller to eat the whole apple. I would just scoop out a perfect bite-size piece and never have to actually bite into the apple.