Choosing Large, Long Pineapples Is a Mistake! 6 Easy Ways to Pick the Sweetest One Without Tasting

With just a quick look at the outside, you can easily tell which pineapple is the best.

 

 

Pineapple, also known as ananas, is a beloved tropical fruit known for its sweet taste and health benefits. However, many people still struggle to choose a perfectly ripe and delicious one.

Should You Pick a Long or Round Pineapple?

A common mistake when buying pineapples is assuming that long ones are better than short, round ones. While long pineapples might look more appealing, they’re not necessarily the best in terms of flavor and juiciness.

Short and round pineapples typically have thicker, juicier flesh and a sweeter taste. They also tend to ripen more evenly. So, next time you buy a pineapple, skip the long ones and go for the short, plump ones instead!

Besides shape, there are other factors to check to ensure you're picking the best pineapple. These include color, texture, aroma, weight, and even the size of the eyes (the small diamond-shaped segments on the peel).

6 Expert Tips for Choosing a Sweet, Juicy Pineapple

1. Check the Color

A ripe pineapple has a golden-yellow color from top to bottom. The stem should also have a slight yellow tint, while the leaves remain fresh and green. Avoid pineapples with dark brown spots or an overly deep golden hue, as they may be overripe.

2. Feel the Firmness

Gently squeeze the pineapple. A perfectly ripe one should be slightly soft but not mushy. If it’s too firm, it may be underripe; if it’s too soft, it might be overripe.

3. Smell the Aroma

The scent is a great indicator of ripeness. A good pineapple should have a sweet, fragrant aroma near the base. If there’s no smell, it may not be ripe yet. If it has a sour, fermented odor, it’s likely overripe.

4. Check the Weight

A heavier pineapple generally contains more juice and is likely to be sweeter. Another trick is to gently pull on one of the leaves—if it comes out easily, the pineapple is ripe and ready to eat!

5. Look at the Eyes

The eyes (diamond-shaped patterns on the skin) are key to identifying a sweet pineapple. The larger and more spaced-out the eyes, the better! These pineapples usually have thicker, juicier flesh.

On the other hand, small and closely packed eyes indicate a less sweet, thinner-fleshed fruit. In some cases, they might not be fully ripe yet.

6. Check the Leaves

Fresh, green leaves indicate a fresh pineapple. If the leaves are dry, brown, or wilted, the pineapple might be old or overripe. A good test: Gently tug a leaf—if it comes out with slight resistance, it’s ripe. If it falls off too easily, it could be past its prime.

Final Tips

• Avoid oddly shaped, very small, or damaged pineapples.
• Stay away from pineapples with mold, cracks, or leaking juices.
• Avoid pre-cut pineapples as you can’t verify their freshness.

By following these simple tips, you’ll always pick the juiciest, sweetest pineapples—perfect for a refreshing snack or delicious recipes!