The secret of how to pick a sweet juicy pineapple piña | 4 things to look for | How to cut it
- Aim for golden yellow: While a perfectly ripe pineapple might have some green at the base or crown, the majority of the fruit should be a golden yellow color. Avoid pineapples that are completely green, as they’re likely unripe and tart.
Smell:
- Sweet pineapple fragrance: Give the pineapple a sniff near the base. A ripe pineapple will have a sweet, pineapple-like fragrance. An overly ripe pineapple might have a strong or fermented smell, best to avoid that one.
Squeeze Test:
- Give it a gentle squeeze: A ripe pineapple should be firm to the touch but have a slight give when you gently squeeze it. Avoid very hard pineapples, as they’re likely unripe. On the other hand, a pineapple that feels mushy is probably overripe.
The Crown (Leaves):
- Fresh, easy to pull leaves: The crown of leaves at the top of the pineapple is another indicator of ripeness. Try to gently pull out one of the center leaves. If it comes out easily with minimal resistance, it’s a good sign the pineapple is ripe. If the leaves are difficult to pull or brown and dry, the pineapple might be past its prime.
Weight:
- Heavy for its size: A ripe pineapple will feel heavy for its size. This indicates it’s full of juicy goodness!
By using a combination of these tips, you should be able to find the perfect sweet and juicy pineapple at the grocery store!