How to Pick the Perfect Pineapple
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Have you ever walked into a grocery store, seen a batch of bright yellow and green pineapples, and passed it by because you haven’t the slightest idea how to pick one? Or how many of you pick a pineapple by smell 🙋🏻♀️ That’s me. Guilty.
Turns out many pineapples give off a fragrant scent. So taking a big whiff isn’t the only indicator of a fresh, ripe pineapple. At least according to my dad, Roy Tokunaga. And he should know. He picked pineapples for Maui Pineapple Co. for two summers and spent 4 summers working for Del Monte in Maui where he held numerous roles in canning quality control (yes, he got to taste pineapples for a living!!!).
So he knows a thing or two. Being that I have somewhat of an expert in the family, it’s ridiculous that I’ve never asked him the question – “How do you pick the perfect pineapple?” Until now, that is.
According to him, there are just 3 rules of thumb to keep in mind. Three “Cs”:
Color
Look for a pineapple that has a golden color with fresh, deep-green leaves (and not brown, dry leaves).
Cut
If you’re like me, you typically don’t flip the pineapple over and check out the bottom. But the bottom – where the pineapple has been cut from the stem – gives you a key sign to its freshness. If there’s mold down there, put it back.
sCent
The stronger, the better.
So it’s all about the three Cs. Try it. Let me know if they work for you and what you end up making with your pineapple. Pina coladas? Cake? Fruit salad?
Have tips of your own? Do share!