Have you ever wondered how to choose a ripe and tasty pineapple, among the many available at the supermarket? Let's see together what are the tricks to be sure of always getting the right fruit.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: by the smell
Step 1. Smell the pineapple
A sweet scent is generally considered the most important aspect when choosing a ripe fruit. If it is not fragrant, it means it is not ripe.
Step 2. Avoid those that have a fermented smell
Even if you want your pineapple to smell sweet, you don't want it to be ripe enough to have a scent tainted with alcoholic or sour notes.
Method 2 of 4: on sight
Step 1. Pay attention to the two key elements of a ripe pineapple:
freshness and spoilage. You're looking for a ripe pineapple, not a rotten pineapple. The lower part is the point from which the fruit receives nourishment from the rest of the plant and is the first area to change color during ripening.
Step 2. Look at the color of the pineapple
It should be a nice golden yellow at least on the underside, but a green fruit doesn't necessarily mean it's still unripe.
- Be aware that some pineapples are considered ripe when they are green in color. Put more emphasis on the healthy appearance of the pineapple.
- Don't buy and don't eat overripe pineapples. Avoid buying a pineapple that is reddish or bronze-colored, or one that has a wrinkled skin, traces of mold, liquid spills, cracks, brown or falling leaves.
Step 3. Focus on the color of the leaves
Since the color of the fruit can be either golden-yellow or green, choose a pineapple whose leaves have a healthy appearance and a bright green color.
Step 4. Check the shape of the pineapple
Pineapples should have a well-developed shape, with rounded ends and healthy 'eyes'. Pineapple eyes are the small growths found in the center of each section that makes up the geometric pattern of the pineapple peel. Make sure your eyes are full and relatively flat.
Step 5. Choose a pineapple that comes from a neighboring country
For example, if you live in Europe choose one that comes from the African continent; if you live in the United States you prefer a fruit that comes from California, Hawaii or Mexico. A pineapple that travels relatively short distances to the supermarket from the plantation will likely be fresher.
Method 3 of 4: Using Touch
Step 1. Press the pineapple gently
A ripe fruit must be firm and elastic to the touch; if it's too hard or too soft, don't buy it.
Step 2. Determine the weight
A heavy pineapple is a symptom of a juicy fruit - note that "heavier" doesn't necessarily mean "bigger".
Step 3. Tear off a leaf from the top of the pineapple
This method generates many conflicts of opinion, but many argue that with a ripe fruit it is possible to remove a leaf from the crown without much resistance. However, if a leaf comes off too easily, it can mean that the pineapple is rotten.
Method 4 of 4: Keep it Cool
Step 1. Eat the whole fruit stored at room temperature within a few days
Do not leave pineapple slices in the air or at room temperature.
Step 2. To keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator
A whole pineapple stored in the refrigerator can last about two weeks.
Step 3. Cut the pineapple and refrigerate it to eat within a week
To cut your pineapple properly, remove the crown and base of the fruit. Arrange the fruit vertically on the cutting board and, carefully, slice it with a knife to remove the entire zest on the surface, from top to bottom. Make sure you carve it deep enough to remove all the prickly rind.
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Cut the pineapple in half, lengthwise, and then cut it in half again to create four triangular-shaped quarters.
Tell if a Pineapple Is Ripe Step 13Bullet1 -
Remove the fibrous core from the center of the quarters and throw it away. Next, cut the pineapple quarters into small pieces or slices.
Tell if a Pineapple Is Ripe Step 13Bullet2
Step 4. You can store fresh pineapple chunks in the freezer for up to six months
Create large chunks to retain as much flavor as possible; in fact, during freezing, the pineapple will lose part of its aroma.
wikiHow Video: How to Tell if a Pineapple is Ripe
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Advice
- If you have the chance, buy a ripe fruit the same day you intend to eat it; in this way it will be fresh and will not deteriorate further.
- If you need to keep pineapple slices in the refrigerator, remember to wrap them in cling film, thus preventing them from absorbing the odors of other foods.
