Pineapple

Truly ripe fresh pineapples can be hard to come by. Because pineapples are very perishable when ripe, they are usually picked before reaching maturity so they can survive shipping. Unfortunately, pineapple does not appreciably ripen once picked. This is a roundabout way of saying that air-shipped pineapples, which reach the market in a shorter period of time, are worth seeking out.

Contrary to popular belief, pulling a leaf out of a pineapple’s crown does not necessarily indicate ripeness. As with most fruits, a pleasant smell is the best indication of a pineapple’s ripeness. Also look for fresh green leaves, a base free of mold and stickiness, plump eyes that protrude from the skin, heaviness, and flesh that yields gently when squeezed. An unripe pineapple can be left loosely wrapped in a perforated paper bag at cool room temperature for a day or two.