How to Choose A Pineapple

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Learning how to choose a pineapple has never been easier in this step by step tutorial! Choosing the perfect pineapple may seem frustrating at times, but now get the perfect pineapple every time.

A dish of cubed pineapple.

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Pineapples are one of the most delicious and versatile fruits available. They can be used in sweet or savory recipes, added to drinks, or enjoyed on their own. But how do you select the perfect pineapple?

Knowing the right steps to take when purchasing a pineapple ensures you get one that’s ripe, juicy and full of flavor. With a few tips, you can easily choose a pineapple that is perfect for your needs.

There is a variety of reasons we should be including pineapple in our diets. Everyday Health speaks about the power of pineapple, and gives us 8 scientific health benefits that comes with eating the fruit.

What Is Pineapple?

When you think of tropical fruits, pineapple is likely one of the first to come to mind. Pineapple is a sweet and juicy fruit that originates from South America but is now grown in tropical regions all over the world. It’s a relatively large fruit with a tough, spiky exterior and a golden-yellow interior.

A fascinating fact about pineapples is their ability to tenderize meat. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which breaks down proteins and helps tenderize tough cuts of meat.

Slices of a pineapple.

Types of Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s sweet, juicy, and can be eaten fresh or cooked in various dishes. There are several types of pineapple, each with its unique flavor and characteristics.

The most common type of pineapple is the Smooth Cayenne. This variety is large, cylindrical in shape with a golden-yellow color when ripe. It has a sweet taste and juicy texture perfect for eating fresh or in salads. The Queen Pineapple is another popular type; it’s smaller than the Smooth Cayenne but sweeter and juicier.

The Red Spanish Pineapple is slightly different from other types as it has red skin instead of yellow-green skin like other pineapples. Its flesh is also pale yellow instead of white, giving it a unique look compared to other varieties.

Pineapple triangles stacked.

Benefits of Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is loved by many. Aside from its sweet and delicious taste, there are numerous health benefits associated with consuming this fruit. Pineapples are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and enzymes that can help improve your overall well-being.

Firstly, pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain which helps to break down proteins. This makes it easier for the body to digest protein-rich foods such as meat and dairy products. Additionally, bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain and muscle soreness.

Secondly, pineapples are loaded with vitamin C which plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system. One cup of pineapple contains about 79% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant which helps protect cells against damage caused by free radicals.

How to Choose A Pineapple

STEP 1: Check the Color

When you’re shopping at your neighborhood grocery store, search for pineapples with vibrant leaves, which are indicated to be a sign of freshness.

Typically, their outside surface should portray a greenish-yellow color, which tends to be an indication that it is fully ripe.

A carton of whole pineapples.

STEP 2: Squeeze Your Pineapple

Similar to other fruits, the texture of your pineapple can provide an indication that it is fully ripe.

A ripe pineapple should have a firm shell but be slightly soft when squeezed.

Fully solid pineapples or ones you cannot squeeze are unlikely to be fully ripe.

STEP 3: Smell Your Pineapple

You can tell the ripeness of a pineapple by examining the aroma at the bottom.

Ripe pineapples almost always have a sweet scent near the base of the fruit.

A pineapple that has an odorless scent might not be quite ripe.

If the pineapple has a strong yet unpleasant aroma, it may be overripe.

A variety of whole pineapples.

STEP 4: Assess The Weight

Look for a pineapple that feels heavy for its size, which often means that it’s more ripe.

In many cases, a heavy pineapple is a sign that it’s more juicy, which also means that it’s likely to be sweeter.

STEP 5: Pull On The Fronds

You can check if a pineapple is ripe by tugging on the leaves around the top of the fruit.

The leaves should be easy to pull if the pineapple is ripe and ready to enjoy. If the fronds are hard to pull, then there may be a There needs to be more ripening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Select the Best Pineapple

Firstly, examine the color of the skin. A ripe pineapple should have a bright yellowish-golden skin that is evenly colored all over. Avoid pineapples with green or brown patches on their skins as they may either be unripe or overripe.

Secondly, give it a good sniff to detect its aroma. A sweet fragrance indicates that it’s ripe while an absence of any smell means it’s still under-ripe.
Thirdly, check for firmness by gently pressing your fingers at its base and feeling for any soft spots.

How to Clean Pineapple

The first step in cleaning a pineapple is to remove the top by cutting off about half an inch from the crown of the fruit. Next, stand the pineapple upright on your cutting board and slice off the skin in thin slices, starting from top to bottom. Make sure you remove all of the brown “eyes” or bumps on the surface of the fruit as well.

Once you have removed all of the skin and eyes, cut off both ends of the pineapple using a sharp knife. This will reveal any remaining eyes that need to be removed with your knife or a small spoon.

How Long is/are Pineapple Good For?

The shelf life of pineapple depends on how ripe it is when you buy it. If the pineapple is fully ripe, then it will only last for 1-2 days at room temperature and up to 4-5 days in the fridge. On the other hand, an unripe pineapple can last up to 3-5 days at room temperature and up to 7-10 days in the fridge.

How to tell When Pineapple is Ripe?

Firstly, check the color of the pineapple. A ripe pineapple should have a golden yellow color on its skin with some green leaves at the top. If it’s completely green or brownish-yellow, it may not be fully ripe yet or already overripe. Secondly, smell the bottom of the fruit where it was cut from its stem; if it smells sweet and fragrant then it’s likely ready to eat.

A Pineapple Cut in half to show the inside.

Expert Tips for How to Choose A Pineapple

After having tasted fresh pineapples, perhaps you never want to eat canned ones again. Though, it may be difficult in choosing the perfect pineapple with no experience. Here are some tips on choosing the best one.

Tip 1: Some pineapple varieties are only mature when the skin is golden yellow. If you intend to eat a pineapple immediately, choose one that has some golden yellow color on the skin.

Tip 2 : Opt for a plump, round pineapple, which means the meat is uniform throughout the fruit. Usually a pineapple that is plump at the bottom and thin at the top often suggests that the meat is of poorer quality. If pineapples ripen, the top part may still not be properly ripe.

Tip 3: When you can smell a fresh fruity aroma from the bottom of the pineapple, that means the fruit is ripe. But if the pineapple smells like vinegar, that’s a sign it’s overripe or rotten.

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A dish of cubed pineapple.
5 from 1 vote

How to Choose A Pineapple

Yield: 1 Pineapple
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Learning how to choose a pineapple has never been easier in this step by step tutorial! Choosing the perfect pineapple may seem frustrating at times, but now get the perfect pineapple every time.
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Ingredients

  • 1 whole pineapple

Instructions

  • STEP 1: Check the Color
    When you’re shopping at your neighborhood grocery store, search for pineapples with vibrant leaves, which are indicated to be a sign of freshness.
    Typically, their outside surface should portray a greenish-yellow color, which tends to be an indication that it is fully ripe.
  • STEP 2: Squeeze Your Pineapple
    Similar to other fruits, the texture of your pineapple can provide an indication that it is fully ripe.
    A ripe pineapple should have a firm shell but be slightly soft when squeezed.
    Fully solid pineapples or ones you cannot squeeze are unlikely to be fully ripe.
  • STEP 3: Smell Your Pineapple
    You can tell the ripeness of a pineapple by examining the aroma at the bottom.
    Ripe pineapples almost always have a sweet scent near the base of the fruit.
    A pineapple that has an odorless scent might not be quite ripe.
    If the pineapple has a strong yet unpleasant aroma, it may be overripe.
  • STEP 4: Assess The Weight
    Look for a pineapple that feels heavy for its size, which often means that it’s more ripe.
    In many cases, a heavy pineapple is a sign that it’s more juicy, which also means that it’s likely to be sweeter.
  • STEP 5: Pull On The Fronds
    You can check if a pineapple is ripe by tugging on the leaves around the top of the fruit.
    The leaves should be easy to pull if the pineapple is ripe and ready to enjoy. If the fronds are hard to pull, then there may be a There needs to be more ripening.

Expert Tips

Expert Tips for How to Choose A Pineapple

  • Pineapple Selecting Tips: After having tasted fresh pineapples, perhaps you never want to eat canned ones again. Though, it may be difficult in choosing the perfect pineapple with no experience. Here are some tips on choosing the best one. 
  • Tip 1: Some pineapple varieties are only mature when the skin is golden yellow. If you intend to eat a pineapple immediately, choose one that has some golden yellow color on the skin.
  • Tip 2 : Opt for a plump, round pineapple, which means the meat is uniform throughout the fruit. Usually a pineapple that is plump at the bottom and thin at the top often suggests that the meat is of poorer quality. If pineapples ripen, the top part may still not be properly ripe.
  • Tip 3: When you can smell a fresh fruity aroma from the bottom of the pineapple, that means the fruit is ripe. But if the pineapple smells like vinegar, that’s a sign it’s overripe or rotten.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 0.01g | Sodium: 0.01mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 0.1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

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