How can you tell if a pineapple is ripe?
The pineapple should be very firm, not soft or spongy, with no bruises or soft spots. If you find a good-looking pineapple and you’re going to use it right away, ask the shop manager to cut it in half to make sure it’s not discolored inside. Reject it if it is. Finally, use your nose. If the pineapple has a good aroma, it’s ripe. If you can’t smell much of anything, it needs to be ripened. If it has a fermented smell, don’t buy it! For more information: http://www.producepete.com/shows/pineapple.