Grocery shopping is hard. Picking a ripe pineapple shouldn't be. Use these strategies to pick the perfect pineapple every time and avoid disappointment.
How do you pick a ripe pineapple? What color should it be? How should it feel and smell when you pick it up? These basic tips will leave the guess work out of your next produce shopping adventure.
Here's how:
Tip #1 - Check the color
Look for pineapples that have a vibrant, golden color. Avoid pineapples that are mostly green as they may not be fully ripe.
Tip #2 - Smell the base
Give the base of the pineapple a sniff. Ripe pineapples have a sweet, tropical aroma. If it doesn't have a noticeable fragrance, it may not be fully ripe.
Tip #3 - Gently push
Lightly squeeze the pineapple to check for firmness. It should have a slight give when gently pressed, indicating that it's ripe. Avoid pineapples that are too soft or mushy.
Tip #4 - Inspect the leaves
Look at the leaves on top of the pineapple. They should be fresh, green, and firmly attached. Dry or brown leaves may indicate an overripe or older pineapple. You should be able to easily pull a leaf from the very top center of the pineapple with little to no resistance.
Tip #5 - Avoid bruises, soft spots, a mold
Look for a pineapple with a consistent shape and size. Avoid pineapples with soft spots, bruises, or mold.