{"id":358,"date":"2023-06-12T04:59:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T04:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/?p=358"},"modified":"2023-06-13T01:06:09","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T01:06:09","slug":"how-to-ripen-pineapple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fueledwithfood.com\/how-to-ripen-pineapple\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ripen a Pineapple (4 Simple Tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve ever been to Hawaii (or anywhere in the tropics) and tried a pineapple, you probably couldn\u2019t believe how sweet it was. When I was in Thailand, they made smoothies out of pineapple and ice \u2014 that\u2019s it<\/em> \u2014 and to this day I think about how delicious and refreshing they were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

When you pick a pineapple at the grocery store, you dream of those juicy, flavorful pineapples, and you probably wonder how to ripen a pineapple to perfection. But ripening a pineapple after it’s picked isn\u2019t scientifically possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pineapples can\u2019t ripen after being cut. Once they are cut from their stems, which convert starch into sugar, their sugar content can\u2019t increase. However, they will get softer and juicier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Ripen a Pineapple: 4 Common Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are four ways that you can soften a pineapple and make it more palatable. Remember, a pineapple won’t ripen after it’s picked, but it will get softer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’d like to eat your pineapple in the near future, avoid storing it in the fridge. Instead, try one of the following methods. You’ll know it’s ready once it gives off a fragrant smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Let the Pineapple Soften on the Counter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the pineapple isn’t showing signs of ripeness, you can leave it out on the counter. After 2-5 days, you should notice the pineapple become more fragrant and begin to change color. Once the pineapple is fragrant, it’s ready to cut and enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Place the Pineapple in a Bag With Other Fruit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To speed up the softening process, place your pineapple in a paper bag with ethylene producing fruit (like apples or bananas), fold over the top of the bag, and leave it on the counter for 1-2 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ethylene helps to degreen the pineapple<\/a>, so the outside will appear more yellow. As the pineapple ages, it will also become softer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This trick works for many types of fruit including avocados, mangos, and tomatoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Turn the Pineapple Upside-down <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because starch is converted to sugar in the stem and enters at the base of the fruit, the bottom of a pineapple may be slightly sweeter. Some believe that if you store a pineapple upside-down for a few days, the sugar may redistribute making the pineapple sweeter. Others believe turning a pineapple over helps redistribute the juices. However, there\u2019s no scientific evidence for this, and its effectiveness is debated<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, I haven’t found that this method works better than leaving the pineapple on the counter for a few days. I’ve noticed that cut pineapple will also soften in the fridge over time, so if it’s not to my liking after I cut it, I’ll wait a couple days to eat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Cook the Pineapple <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While cooking pineapple doesn’t ripen it, it does soften it and denature the enzymes that may irritate your mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few ideas for cooking your pineapple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n