How to Select a Ripe Pineapple

Since pineapples don't ripen post-harvest, selecting a ripe one at the store is crucial. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect pineapple:

Color: Look for a pineapple with a consistent golden-yellow color. While some green is acceptable, a mostly green pineapple was likely picked too early and will be less sweet.

Smell: A ripe pineapple should have a sweet and fragrant aroma at its base. If it has no smell, it's likely not ripe. An alcoholic or vinegary smell indicates it is overripe.

Feel: The pineapple should feel heavy for its size, indicating it's full of juice. It should have a slight give when gently squeezed, but avoid pineapples that are soft or mushy.

Leaves: While some people swear by the ease of pulling a leaf from the crown, this is not a reliable indicator of ripeness.

If you find yourself with an underripe pineapple, don't despair. While you can't make it sweeter, you can make it more palatable:

Soften it: Leaving the pineapple at room temperature for a day or two can help soften the flesh, making it more pleasant to eat.

Store it upside down: Some suggest storing the pineapple upside down for a day to help distribute the sugars that may have settled at the base, potentially making the entire fruit taste slightly sweeter.

Grill or roast it: Applying heat can help to caramelize the existing sugars, which can enhance the pineapple's sweetness and reduce its acidity.

Sprinkle with salt: A light sprinkle of salt can surprisingly enhance the perception of sweetness by suppressing bitterness.