Fresh pineapple is one of the sweetest, most refreshing fruits, but only if you know how to pick it, prep it, and store it properly. If youāve ever brought one home only to have it spoil quickly or attract fruit flies, these simple tips will help you keep pineapple fresh longer and cut it the right way every time.
How to Pick a Ripe Pineapple
Choosing the right pineapple is the first step to keeping it fresh. The first thing that you should look at is the color of the pineapple. A ripe pineapple turns yellow from the bottom up. The more golden it is, the sweeter it will be.You can also check the crown (or top) of the pineapple. If the leaves are starting to dry out or feel loose, itās very ripe and should be used soon. You should always avoid fully green fruit. This means itās not ripe yet and needs time on the counter.
Some people recommend the āpull-a-leafā trick and itās not always reliable so Iād use these tips instead.
How to Ripen a Pineapple at Home
If your pineapple isnāt fully ripe yet and you want to get it to ripen hereās a few things that you can do. First, simply leave it on the counter for a few days. It will gradually ripen and be ready to be enjoyed. You also could lay it on its side and rotate it every couple of days.This helps the natural sugars distribute evenly throughout the fruit instead of settling at the bottom. Pineapples should be stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator until after they are cut.
How to Wash Pineapple (and Prevent Fruit Flies)
Pineapples can carry bacteria, and even fruit fly eggs, on the outside, so washing them as soon as you bring them home is essential. It not only ensures that they are safe to eat, but it also helps them to last longer. Vinegar kills off mold spores, listeria, e.Coli and other harmful pathogens. It also kills off any fruit flies or fruit fly eggs that might be hiding in the crown before they can fill your kitchen.
Using a stock pot makes it easier to wash the pineapples because they fit easily into the pot.
Steps to Wash Pineapple:
- Fill a large pot with water
- Add Ā¼ cup of 5% distilled white vinegar per 10 cups of water
- Submerge the crown of the pineapple for 5 minutes
- Rotate and soak the bottom of the pineapple for 2 minutes
- Rinse and lay on a towel to dry
How to Cut a Pineapple (Step-by-Step)
Some people avoid buying pineapples because they are unsure of how to cut them, but itās easier than you might think! Hereās how I cut it:
1. Trim the Ends
Cut off the top (crown) and the bottom.
2. Slice Off the Skin
Stand the pineapple upright and cut downward, following the curve to remove the peel.
3. Remove the āEyesā
- Use a small knife to cut out the brown āeyesā
- They grow in diagonal lines, so cutting in strips can make this quicker
4. Cut Around the Core
Slice down along each side of the tough inner core to remove it.
5. Slice or Cube
Cut into:
- Spears
- Chunks
- Or rings
Place the pieces of cut pineapple in a glass jar or glass container and store it in the refrigerator.
Easy Method: Use a Pineapple Corer
If you want perfect rings with less effort, a pineapple corer is a great tool. All you have to do is slice off the top and twist the corer into the fruit. When you remove it, you will have perfectly shaped rings! These also fit really easily into a glass jar.
To keep your cut pineapple fresh, drain off the juice every few days. It should stay fresh for 7-10 days in the fridge after it is cut.
How to Freeze Pineapple
Freezing is perfect if you enjoy smoothies or other recipes with frozen fruit. You can buy pineapples in the spring when they are at peak freshness and at their cheapest prices in order to freeze them. In order to freeze pineapple I would recommend cutting it into bite size pieces. Spread the pieces out in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in a freezer until they are solid. After they are frozen, transfer them into a freeze safe container. I love using silicone Stasher bags for my frozen fruit. Now you have pineapple ready for smoothies, pizza, or recipes all year long.
You can learn more about flash freezing berries in this blog post.
Zero Waste Produce Guide
If you're looking for more information on how to wash and store other produce items, check out the Zero Waste Produce Guide. It has directions for washing and storing 75 produce items as well as over 40 recipes.
Pineapple Video
Learning how to keep pineapple fresh and how to cut a pineapple properly can save you money, reduce waste, and make your fruit taste so much better. With just a few simple techniques, like rotating it while ripening, washing it thoroughly, and storing it correctly, youāll get the most out of every pineapple you bring home.
Want more produce-saving tips like this? Keep following along for simple, practical ways to make your groceries last longer.
Mango Pineapple Salsa
Ingredients
- 6 cups pineapple, diced
- 8 cups mango, diced
- 4 cups tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups red bell pepper, diced
- 1 Ā½ cups red onion, diced
- 2 habanero peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Ā¼ cup bottled lime juice
- Ā½ cup white vinegar
- 6 T cilantro
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the cilantro in a large stainless-steel saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in the cilantro.
- Ladle hot salsa into hot sanitized jars, leaving Ā½ inch headspace.
- Remove any air bubbles and wipe rim
- Center lid on jar and apply band, adjust to fingertip tight.
- Place jar on the rack in canner with simmering water (180 degrees F). Water must cover jars by 1 inch.
- Adjust heat to medium-high, cover canner, and bring water to a rolling boil.
- Process pint jars 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude.
- Turn off heat and remove cover.
- Let jars cool 5 minutes.
- Remove jars from canner. Cool 12ā24 hours.
- Check lids for seal, they should not flex when center is pressed.
- Remove rings, wipe jars down and label.
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