How to Select a Ripe Pineapple

When selecting fresh ripe pineapple, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has a plume of fresh green leaves. The rind can be partially green but should have yellow or reddish yellow coloring from the bottom up. It should not contain any bruised or brown spots. A ripe pineapple will have a fragrant scent. Avoid fruit that appears withered and whose leaves are turning brown.

You can purchase an unripe pineapple and allow it to ripen at home. Make sure the pineapple you select has at least some yellow or reddish yellow coloring at its base. Avoid any pineapples that are all green because they were picked too early and will not ripen properly. The pineapple will ripen when it sets at room temperature. To promote even ripening, set the pineapple upside down to ripen. You may have to trim off some plume to get it to stand. This will allow the sugar in the base to flow throughout the pineapple and make it ripen more evenly.