How to Pick a Ripe Pineapple

There’s nothing quite like biting into a ripe, juicy-sweet pineapple. But it can be tricky to pick out the best pineapple of the bunch.

Luckily, it’s easier than you think! By using the sniff test, squeeze test and frond test, you’ll be able to choose a pineapple that’s perfectly ripe and bursting with flavor every time.

HOW TO FIND A RIPE PINEAPPLE

If you’re curious about how to pick a pineapple, there are three basic ways to do it: The Sniff Test, The Squeeze Test, and The Frond Test.

The Sniff Test

One of the best ways to tell if a pineapple is ripe is by using your sense of smell. Start by picking up the pineapple and sniffing the base. If it smells sweet and fragrant (like a pineapple), it’s probably ripe. If it doesn’t have much of a scent or smells slightly sour, it probably needs some more time on the shelf.

The Squeeze Test

Another way to test for ripeness is the squeeze test.

The squeeze test is used for most fruits and vegetables, including pineapple. However, it’s best to use this method gently so that you don’t break the skin or damage the produce. When you pick up your pineapple, the skin should be firm and mostly yellow. Next, give it a little squeeze with your fingers. It should give slightly. If the pineapple is extremely hard, it’s not yet ripe and if it’s too soft, it may be overripe.

The Frond Test

Last, but not least, is the frond test.

But what is a frond? Fun pineapple fact: the green leaves at the top of the pineapple are the fronds. Simply pluck one of the fronds from the top of the pineapple. If it comes out easily, and the bottom is slightly sticky and brown, it’s a good sign that the pineapple is ripe. If the frond is difficult to pull out, the pineapple may not be ripe yet.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN’T FIND A RIPE PINEAPPLE?

If you can’t find a ripe pineapple, don’t fret. Pineapples, like most produce, are picked when they’re under-ripe to give them a longer shelf life. You can still take it home and set it on your kitchen counter to finish ripening. Just follow these steps:

1. Keep it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and turn it over every day to help it ripen evenly.
2. If you need to ripen your pineapple quickly, place it in a brown paper bag with a ripe banana or apple. The ethylene gas produced by the other fruit will help ripen the pineapple faster.
3. Use a ripening container (a container with small ventilation holes) so the fruit can breathe while trapping some of the ethylene gas to ripen it.

It’s important to note that once a pineapple is ripe, it can only be stored for a few days before it starts to spoil. So, it’s best to ripen your pineapple when you’re ready to eat it.

To make the most of your ripe pineapple, check out our library of recipes, from pineapple teriyaki sliders to pineapple and chipotle pork tacos, we’ve got something to make your pineapple the star of the show.

Hungry for more? Explore our recipe library for ideas and inspo for your next gathering!

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