Myths about Fresh Pineapple

[JennaHoneyBear]

Hey all,
I thought I knew everything about pineapples until I read this article from Whole Foods :)
I always picked a pineapple by giving it's bottom a sniff (hehe) and plucking out the leaves on top. Apparently, color doesn't matter when selecting a pineapple as they can be ripe when green! Check out this article, it even gives an easy way to cut pineapple.

http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2010/04/busting-myths-about-fresh-pineapple/

Myth #1: Never buy a green pineapple, it is not ripe.
The scoop: Pineapples are fully ripe when green and color is not an indicator of ripeness or flavor.

Myth #2: If the leaves on top pull out easily, it means it’s ripe.
The scoop: Contrary to popular belief, this is not necessarily a sure sign of ripeness. Pineapples are picked when ripe and do not ripen after harvest. Our Whole Trade pineapple is picked at peak ripeness!

Myth #3: Choosing a pineapple at the store is tricky business.
The scoop: Selecting pineapple is quite simple! Choose fruit that looks fresh- look for sturdy green leaves and firm, consistent fruit. Avoid fruit that looks dry or dehydrated.

Myth #4: Cutting a whole pineapple is lots of work.
The scoop: Cutting a pineapple takes just a few minutes and is pretty easy. Below are some basic instructions!

[Revvell]

We've been purchasing pineapples lately and they are SO not a lot of work. AND, pulling a leaf out doesn't always work. We do sniff them and if they smell fruity, we get it. You've just reaffirmed what we've found out over the last few weeks. Thanks!

[lovenlife]

WHO KNEW???? That is specific to that pineapple brand ?

[rawviveyourself]

Great info, Jenna!

[Dimond]

Whole Foods here was just selling pineapple that is green when ripe. There was a special sign posted regarding this. Cutting a pineapple is always difficult, which is why I rarely eat it even though I like it a lot. Even using the special cutters are a pain. Too bad the pre-sliced ones aren't organic.

[lovenlife]

Thats what I thought. It is one certain kind and the rules dont apply to any other pineapples. I have seen plenty of pineapples not ripe and even when they look ripe, open n they are not.

Sometimes it rots before it ripens.

[RawKnitster]

Interesting! The two methods I use are not mentioned in the article. First, I look for mold on the bottom stem. If there is any mold, I won't buy it. Second, the sniff test. If it smells like pineapple, it is ripe and ready to eat.

[Revvell]

Interesting! The two methods I use are not mentioned in the article. First, I look for mold on the bottom stem. If there is any mold, I won't buy it. Second, the sniff test. If it smells like pineapple, it is ripe and ready to eat.

Yup! We do the sniff test as well.

[MarciaN]

I learned at my Farmer's Market that most pineapples found in regular grocery stores are gassed to make them look brown and ripe. I have a booth (here in Florida) where I can buy "un-gassed" pineapples - they are green, but ripe and delicious.

[margoss]

supposedly, pampered chef has a new pineapple slicer that will do it in long slices then you just cube it if wanted.

[Aleesha Sattva]

are you serious? oh i am sooooo not waiting anymore when i buy a pineapple!

[Rawhoney]

Thanks Jenna for the much needed advice. I will definitely cut my pineapples like this.

[JennaHoneyBear]

I'm glad you all are finding this info useful!! :D

happy munchin!

[SparklePlenty]

I'm eating a lot of pineapple these days...so yummy. They're not hard to cut at all. And if you have a vitamix or similar blender, don't worry about taking out the core--more fiber. :)
Cut off the top, cut it down the middle, then cut that piece down the middle. Cut a bit off the bottom of the piece, stand it on end and cut the skin off from top to bottom in a couple of swipes. There you go.

Favorite smoothie is pineapple, oranges, hemp seed, soaked almonds, dash of vanilla.....lots of ice and a bit of water. OMG so delish and refreshing