Pineapples are a tropical favorite all over the world, but there’s a catch: they really need to be picked at the perfect moment. If you grab one that’s underripe, it won’t just taste bland—it can actually cause some pretty unpleasant digestive issues. Plus, unlike bananas or avocados, pineapples don’t really continue to ripen or get sweeter once they’ve been cut from the plant.
Harvesting for the Long Haul
To make sure pineapples survive the long journey to our grocery stores, they’re usually harvested just a hair before they hit peak ripeness. This doesn’t ruin the quality, though; they do soften up a bit and develop their full aroma once they come out of those cold shipping containers.
That said, you definitely want to avoid eating fruit that still has significant green patches. Unripe pineapple can lead to a nasty case of diarrhea and is even unsafe for pets like dogs to snack on.
How to Spot a Ripe One
You can find pineapples in the store year-round, but keep in mind that pineapple season actually peaks during our winter. That’s because it’s high summer in the tropical regions where they grow, and production is in full swing. While they’re available in the summer too, you’ll usually find fewer of them and might have to pay a bit more.
Whether you’re harvesting one from your own greenhouse or picking one out at the market, look for a shell that is golden-yellow to light brown. Another foolproof way to tell if a pineapple is ripe is to give it a sniff. It should smell sweet and fruity. If it has no scent at all, it’s not ready; if it smells a bit like fermented alcohol, it’s already overripe.
The Best Way to Store Your Fruit
If you’ve got a fresh pineapple to store, the sweet spot is a cool place like a pantry or cellar around 50°F (10°C). Believe it or not, the refrigerator isn’t actually the best place for a whole, uncut pineapple. If you don’t have a cool cellar, you’re better off just leaving it on the kitchen counter. Just keep in mind that at room temperature, you’ll want to slice it open within a few days!
