How to Pick a Perfectly Ripe Pineapple

Picking the perfect pineapple can be tricky, but with these simple tips, you’ll always know how to choose the sweetest, juiciest fruit. Follow these steps to select the best pineapple every time!

Tips for Picking the Perfect Pineapple

Look for a Golden Hue – The ideal pineapple should have a rich golden-yellow color, particularly at the base. If the pineapple is mostly green, it’s likely underripe. If it’s deep orange, it may be past its peak.
Give It a Gentle Squeeze – When you squeeze the pineapple, it should feel firm with just a slight give. If it’s rock hard, it’s underripe, and if it’s too soft, it could be overripe.
Smell the Base – Flip the pineapple over and sniff the bottom. A ripe pineapple will have a sweet, tropical aroma. If it doesn’t smell much, it’s not ripe yet. A sour or fermented smell indicates it’s overripe.
Check the Weight – Heavier pineapples tend to be juicier and sweeter. Compare a few of similar size to find the heaviest one.
Pull a Leaf – Gently tug on one of the inner leaves. If it comes out easily, your pineapple is ripe and ready to enjoy. If it resists, it’s not quite ready yet.

Tricks to Ripen Pineapple Evenly

If you have an underripe pineapple, here are a few tricks to help it ripen more evenly:

Store it upside down: Turning the pineapple upside down allows the sugars to distribute evenly, helping the fruit ripen uniformly.
Use a brown paper bag: This traps ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process and encourages even ripening.
Leave it at room temperature: Let the pineapple sit at room temperature, and check it every couple of days for progress. It should become more fragrant and slightly soft.

How to Cut a Pineapple

Once your pineapple is perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy, here’s how to cut it to make the most of its nutritious and sweet flesh:

Slice off the top and bottom of the pineapple.
Stand it up and cut away the skin in strips.
Remove the “eyes” by cutting small diagonal slivers along the pineapple.
Slice into rings, wedges, or chunks—whichever you prefer!

Fun Facts About Pineapples

Not a Single Fruit: Pineapples are actually a collection of berries that have fused together.
Symbol of Wealth: In the 17th century, pineapples were so rare and expensive that they were used as a symbol of wealth.
Origin of the Name: The name “pineapple” comes from its resemblance to a pine cone.

Now you’re equipped with all the tips to pick, ripen, and enjoy the perfect pineapple every time. Whether you’re using it for smoothies, grilling it, or just eating it fresh, a perfectly ripe pineapple will always hit the spot! And if you’re also curious about picking the best watermelon, check out our post on how to pick the perfect watermelon for more juicy fruit tips.