Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Determine ripeness by smell
• Method 2 of 4: Look for External Indicators
• Method 3 of 4: Feel Fresh
• Method 4 of 4: Storing and Slicing Pineapple
• Tips

How to tell if a pineapple is ripe and tasty? After the pineapple is picked, it will not ripen. There are little tricks to help you choose the right pineapple.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Determine ripeness by smell

1. 1 Smell the pineapple. The sweet smell is the main indicator of the ripeness of the pineapple. If there is no smell, it is not ripe.
2. 2 Don't buy pineapple with a fermented smell. Pineapple should have a sweet smell; avoid fruits with alcoholic or vinegar scent.

Method 2 of 4: Look for External Indicators

1. 1 The two main elements of a ripe pineapple are:freshness and spoilage... You want a fresh pineapple, not a rotten one. The stem feeds the fruit with sugar. This is exactly the area from which the color change begins.
2. 2 Pay attention to the color of the pineapple. It is often yellowish in color, but the green fruit is not necessarily unripe.
   • Some types of pineapple are considered to be ripe green. Therefore, pay more attention to the healthy looking pineapple.
   • Don't buy wrinkled pineapples with reddish brown skin, cracks or leaks, mold, or brown and withered leaves.
3. 3 Pay attention to the color of the leaves. Since the fruit itself can be golden or green, choose a pineapple with healthy, green foliage.
4. 4 Pineapple shape. The fruit should be well developed with rounded edges and well-developed eyes. The eyes are large, black dots on the embossed surface of the pineapple. If the eyes are black, and the relief is pronounced, then the pineapple is ripe.
5. 5 Buy pineapples from the plantations that are closest to you. For example, if you live in California, then the plantations closest to you will be in Hawaii or Mexico.

Method 3 of 4: Feel Fresh

1. 1 Squeeze pineapple. The fruit should be firm, but at the same time, slightly give in to pressure.
2. 2 Determine the weight of the pineapple. The heavier it is, the juicier it is. It should be noted that the heavier is not the same as the larger.
3. 3 Pinch off the leaf at the top of the pineapple. This is a controversial method, but many people believe that pineapple is ripe if you can tear the leaf off without much difficulty. If the leaf comes off too easily, the pineapple may be rotten.

Method 4 of 4: Storing and Slicing Pineapple

1. 1 If you store pineapple at room temperature, then you need to eat it within a few days. Don't leave sliced ​​pineapple at room temperature.
2. 2 To keep pineapple fresh, store it in the refrigerator. A whole pineapple can be kept in the refrigerator for about two weeks.
3. 3 Store cut pineapple for no more than one week. To cut the pineapple properly, cut off the foliage and base. Place the fruit vertically on a cutting board and carefully peel the rind from top to bottom. Make deep cuts to remove any prickly skin.
   • Cut the pineapple in half lengthways and then into 2 more pieces. You will have four triangular pieces.
   • Cut and discard the hard core, and cut the remainder into slices or large chunks.
4. 4 Fresh, sliced ​​pineapple can be stored frozen for up to 6 months. Chop the fruit into large pieces to preserve the flavor, as freezing can reduce the flavor of the fruit.

Tips

• Buy and eat ripe pineapple the same day to keep it from spoiling.
• If you store the peeled pineapple in the refrigerator, wrap or cover it to prevent it from absorbing other odors.