A ripe pineapple is perfection. The fruit is a deliciously sweet snack. Whether you’re looking for a healthy fruit snack, or have a recipe that needs a pineapple addition, learning how to tell when a pineapple is ripe is a great skill to have.
Here are three things to look for when picking a ripe pineapple:
1) Color
One thing to look for that will indicate how ripe a pineapple is, is the color. You want to choose a pineapple that is golden-yellow all the way through. A green pineapple can often mean it is not very ripe. A dark orange pineapple is too ripe. A pineapple that is partially green on top is fine. Look at the base and choose one that has a golden yellow color near the bottom that extends up the fruit.
Pick a pineapple that is golden-yellow
2) Smell
Another great indicator of the ripeness of the pineapple is the smell. You want to pick a pineapple that has a sweet smell. If you can’t smell anything, the pineapple is probably not very ripe. Conversely, if it smells like it’s fermented, it is probably too ripe. Let your nose choose the sweetest smelling pineapple.
Pick a pineapple that smells sweet
3) Touch
Feel the pineapple and you will get a very good idea of how ripe it is. A ripe pineapple is a tiny bit soft when you squeeze it. It’s not very noticeable, but you get a feel for it eventually. Avoid a pineapple that is extremely hard. This typically means it is not ripe.
Pick a pineapple that is very slightly soft when squeezed
How To Ripen a Pineapple
The truth is pineapples don’t really ripen on their own after they are plucked from the tree. If you accidentally bought an unripe pineapple, there are things you can do to help it ripen a little more before eating it.
One thing you can do to ripen a pineapple is to store it with other fruits that ripen easily. For example store a pineapple next to bananas, apples, and tomatoes. These fruits emit a hormone that can help the pineapple to ripen.
Another trick is to place the pineapple upside down, balancing it on its leaves. The sugars of the pineapple at the base can flow through the pineapple and help it to ripen further
How To Store a Pineapple
If you’ve cut the pineapple and have leftovers you want to store, place the pineapple in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. You can store it for about 5-7 days with this method. You may also freeze it, but it may lose some of its flavor.
How Long Does Pineapple Last?
If you’re storing an uncut pineapple at room temperature it will last about 1-2 days. They really don’t last that long. In the fridge it will last about 4-5 days in but can still be edible for several days after that
Conclusion
Picking a ripe pineapple is easy when you know what to look for. Pick one that smells sweet, is slightly soft when squeezed, and has a golden yellow color at the base. Avoid a pineapple that has no smell, is rock-hard, or is dark orange.