Tricks to choose a sweet pineapple
1. Look at the base of the pineapple
The bottom of the pineapple, where the stem was, is the point where the fruit begins to ripen. To make sure it’s just right:
I felt its aroma: Bring your nose to the base and smell. If it gives off a sweet and tropical perfume, it is a sign that the pineapple is ripe and tasty.
Beware of strong odors: If it has no aroma, it is not yet ripe. If the smell is very strong or has a hint of fermentation, it means that it has already passed its optimum point and may be overripe.
2. Pay attention to the color of the shell
The hue of the pineapple is a great indicator of its ripeness:
It should have an even golden color, indicating that the sugar is well distributed throughout the fruit.
If it still has a lot of green parts, it is likely that it lacks ripening.
Avoid pine cones with dark or overly brown spots, as they could be overdone.
3. Do the leaf test
Here’s a foolproof trick:
Take one of the leaves from the center of the wreath and pull gently.
If the leaf comes off easily, the pineapple is ready to eat.
If it is difficult to get it out, it has not yet reached maturity.
4. Touch the pineapple and check its firmness
Gently pressing the peel also helps to know if the pineapple is ready to eat:
It should give slightly when pressing, but without being too soft.
If it is hard, it still needs to mature.
If it is too soft, it may be overage or have begun to ferment.
5. Look at the “eyes” of the peel
The “eyes” are the small indentations or patterns in the pineapple shell.
If the eyes are large and spaced out, the pineapple is well ripe and sweet.
If they are small and tight, they are likely to still lack development and have less flavor.
Additional Tips
Do not store pineapple in the refrigerator if it is not yet ripe, as the cold stops its ripening process.
If you bought an underripe pineapple, you can leave it at room temperature for a few days to finish ripening.
To keep it fresh after cutting, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
With these tricks, choosing a sweet and juicy pineapple will be much easier.
Try these tips on your next purchase and enjoy the best fruit at just the right point!
