How to Know a Pineapple Is Ripe

Choose a pineapple with no bruising, or soft spots. Dark eyes, softness, dryness, wrinkles or yellowed leaves are signs of a pineapple that is too old. A good pineapple should should yield to medium pressure, and the eyes should be bright yellow/green and shiny. The pineapple should be plump and feel heavy for its size.

Check the bottom, there should have no indication of mold and be firm. A ripe pineapple will also smell very sweet and strongly of pineapple.

Fresh ripe pineapples should have green and fresh leaves in a compact crown on top and a leaf should be easy to remove if fully ripe.

Once a pineapple is cut from the plant it will not ripen any further so do not worry about letting it ripen on the counter. The pineapple will become softer and juicier on the counter but it will not become sweeter. All of a pineapple's sugar comes from the starches in the stem of the plant so once that source is cut off, the pineapple cannot make more sugar. A pineapple will ferment on the counter if not eaten, so if keeping for longer than two days, store in the fridge for up to 4 more days.