Signs a Pineapple Is Bad
Smell: Pineapple is bad if it has a sour smell. Smell the stem end of a pineapple to test its ripeness. A good, ready-to-eat pineapple has a sweet, fresh smell, whereas a rotten pineapple will smell fermented or sour.
Color: Pineapple is bad if its rind is orange and flesh is brown. A ripe, ready-to-eat pineapple has a bright, golden-yellow rind and flesh. A pineapple that’s rotten has a dull, orange-colored rind and brown, sometimes spotted flesh. Check for white spots on the surface of the pineapple. This is a sign of mold, and any discoloration is a sign the pineapple should be thrown away.
Texture: Pineapple is bad if it’s extra soft. Gently squeeze the pineapple with your fingertips. A ripe pineapple has a firm but soft texture, whereas a rotten pineapple is very soft and soggy.
Leaves: Pineapple is likely bad if the leaves are brown. More often than not, withered or brown-shaded leaves are a sign that a pineapple is bad or about to go bad. So, opt to only eat a pineapple if the leaves are green and strong.
Taste: Pineapple is bad if it isn’t sweet. Pineapple naturally has a sweet and tangy flavor. If you bite into a piece of pineapple and it’s pungent, bitter, or sour, it’s most likely bad.
How long do pineapples last?
A whole ripe pineapple can last 3 days at room temperature. A whole pineapple typically stays fresh at room temperature on a kitchen counter or table for at least 3 days. Even so, it’s best to continue checking for freshness to ensure your pineapple is good to eat. Signs of a fresh, ripe pineapple include a sweet smell, soft but firm texture, heavy weight, golden-yellow color, perky green leaves, and flat spikes.
A cut pineapple can last up to 4 days in the fridge or a year in the freezer. The best way to preserve your pineapple is to slice or chop it up and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. When stored in an airtight container, pineapple cuts can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge or up to a year in the freezer.
How to Properly Store Pineapple
Store a whole pineapple at room temperature. The best way to keep a whole pineapple fresh is to store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep the fruit in a cool, dry place for ideal freshness. You can also store a whole pineapple in the fridge for up to 5 days; however, be sure it’s near the bottom of the fridge to avoid freezing. Avoid placing a whole, uncut pineapple in the freezer, as it won’t thaw properly and cause too much moisture in the fruit, speeding up the rotting process.
Store cut pineapple in the fridge or freezer. To keep a pineapple fresh for the longest time, chop it up and place it in the fridge or freezer. Put cut pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for 6 to 12 months. For optimal freezing, place the pineapple chunks or slices on a baking tray lined with parchment in the freezer. Once frozen solid, move the pineapple into an airtight bag or container to keep in the freezer.
Is it okay to eat overripe pineapple?
It’s not ideal to eat overripe pineapple. Pineapple can go from overripe to rotten very quickly. While an overripe pineapple can be safe to eat, parts of it may be starting to rot, which could put you at risk of consuming bacteria and getting sick. Eating overripe pineapple may cause stomach aches, nausea, and/or vomiting. Overall, while it may be okay to eat overripe pineapple, it isn’t ideal and should be avoided. Staphylococcus is a common bacteria found on rotting pineapple that can cause food poisoning.
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