How To Ripen Pineapple

Pineapples are a summertime staple for many people. Fresh pineapple makes a refreshing dessert or breakfast addition to any meal, and large quantities are easy to prepare. However, pineapples are always hard to ripen at home. Here’s the A-Z guide on how to ripen a pineapple with no fuss.

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How To Pick A Sweet Pineapple

Pineapples are tropical fruit, which means they spend their entire life in the tropical regions of Australia, New Guinea, India, and Indonesia. These regions are rich in vitamin C, making the pineapples ideal for picking.

When selecting a ripe pineapple, make sure there is no green visible on the peel and no mold. Make sure that this section is also dry and not slimy. The tip of the fruit should be golden brown with no spots or blemishes, but if it looks dark brown in color, move on to another one. There are also other ways to choose riped pineapples:

• Pick a pineapple with shiny ends that seem to point towards the heart/pink area of a pineapple. For example: Beneath the brownish color, maybe a younger, softer part in the tip of the pineapple. More often than not, these parts will be more flavorful than those close to its core.
• Tastes sweet and smells very fragrant when you take a whiff of it with your nose slightly touching its skin.
• Pick a pineapple that has soft and spongy skin. The softer it is, the riper a pineapple will be.

How Long Does It Take A Pineapple To Ripen?

As soon as you bring your pineapple home, it will start ripening faster than non-organic pineapples because of its warm journey. When you place your pineapple in a room that is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, its ripening process will slow down to almost none. Your pineapple will ripen in approximately six to ten days, depending on how ripe you bought.

Will Pineapple Ripen After Cutting?

Pineapples will continue to ripen even after cutting. In fact, some people like to buy their pineapples at a green, unripe state and then ripen them in the refrigerator before serving them. The pineapple’s ripening process depends on how warm it is in your home and how long it has been stored since you purchased it at the grocery store.

Can You Ripen A Pineapple At Home?

Pineapples are easier to ripen at home than most people think. With only a little effort, you can get your pineapples to a ripe state. Research has discovered that the best way to do this is by placing your pineapple in a container with cool, moist air and giving it room to breathe. This will help the pineapple keep its shape and reduce any decay that may have occurred since your last use of the pineapple.

That being said, pineapples will continue to ripen within hours or days of purchase if kept at an ideal temperature, so there is no need to neglect them for long periods. There are some tips on how to ripen a pineapple at home.

Store The Pineapple With Other Fruits

It is advisable to store your pineapples with the other fruits because they require a similar temperature and air quality to ripen. You should also avoid storing them in a container that has not been made of food-grade plastic. You should also keep them away from light, as this can accelerate decay somewhat.

Place The Pineapple In A Polybag Or Any Clear Bag

Placing your pineapple in a polybag can help it ripen faster and more evenly than if you were to simply place it on the countertop or in the kitchen cabinet with other fruit. Pineapples are very sweet and can cause a ripening reaction within a couple of hours of being cut, so if you have access to the refrigerator, it may be best to place your pineapple there before cutting. If you do not have access to a fridge, you can use any clear bag that will keep your fruit dry and protected.

Store The Pineapple Upside Down

Place the pineapples on its side when storing them to protect them from light during storage and help them stay fresh longer. You can even store the pineapple upside down so that the “eyes” (pits) are not exposed directly to air.

Bury The Pineapple In Rice

If you have the space for it, it can be beneficial to bury the pineapple in cool rice. This will help keep the conditions inside the pineapple ideal for ripening, as opposed to simply placing them in a container or bag.

How To Store Pineapples

It is crucial that your pineapples are kept in a well-ventilated area when they are not being used, as many volatile compounds can be released by their own ripening process. Some pineapples will develop brown spots or bruises within a day of being cut or placed on a countertop.

Whole Pineapples

A whole, unpeeled pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator, but it will be more difficult to find room for it there than if you were to cut off pieces as you go along. A whole pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for up to six months and even longer if properly packaged and frozen.

Cut Pineapples

If you are storing a cut pineapple, it is important that you do not store it for more than four days. The cutting process will reduce the amount of time you can utilize the pineapple after it has been cut.

The Bottom Line

If you are buying pineapples, look for ones that have heavy bodies with indents beneath their eyes. They should be firm with a slightly soft spot on the skin’s surface. It should also smell sweet and fragrant.

If the pineapple is ripe to ripen further at home, it will take anywhere from four days to two weeks until it has ripened completely. You should store your pineapples in a cool, dry area and possibly keep them hydrated by placing them into a sealed bag with water to prevent any dehydration or browning of the fruit. I hope this guide gave you vast information about ripening a pineapple at home.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions