Pineapple will serve as a decoration for any festive table, and in order for it to delight guests with its taste, when choosing a pineapple, pay attention to the following points:
1. Ripe pineapple should have an unobtrusive, pleasant, sweet smell. If the smell is too pronounced and harsh, this indicates that the pineapple is overripe and may have even begun to rot. It also happens that there is no smell at all, such a pineapple is also not worth taking – it is green.
2. Particular attention should be paid to the tops – the top of the pineapple should be spinning at its base – this is the very first sign of ripeness. The tops should be thick, green, and the pineapple leaves should be easy to separate from the pulp. Never take pineapple with a yellowed top.
3. While unripe, the green pineapple is firm to the touch, while the ripe fruit is slightly soft but firm.
4. You can evaluate the ripeness of the pineapple by slapping the fruit – if the sound from the cotton is dull, then the fruit is ripe, and if the sound is empty, then the pineapple is overripe.
5. Remember that pineapple can only be stored at room temperature; it must not be refrigerated.
6. Greenish pineapple can ripen at room temperature, do not rush to cut it, and it will delight you with the fullness and brightness of its taste when it ripens.