How to Ripen Pineapple Easily and Make It Delicious

This gas is not as dangerous or as scary as it sounds.

They come naturally from other fruits like pears, nectarines, and apples.

When the pineapple is placed in a paper bag with any of these fruits, it will change color from green to yellow.

Although on the outside these green pineapples may appear to be ripe, inside, the texture and taste often remain the same.

This is why it is better to pick the perfect pineapple rather than simply trying to ripen it once it has already been purchased.

This became important to us for our pineapple salsa. 

To avoid having to ripen the pineapple, you should know how to find a good one, to begin with.

When buying from the grocery store, look for pineapples with a fresh and plump look.

Go for the ones with green and fresh leaves on their crowns.

(We provide a step-by-step guide below.)

Contrary to popular belief, you should go for those with firm bodies and not for those that are soft.

Another thing to keep in mind is that larger fruits do not translate to better taste.

More importantly, remember that shell color does not entirely signify ripeness.

In fact, there are yields known as “green-shell ripe”.

Just because fresh pineapple is green does not mean that it’s unripe.

Another good indicator of ripeness is the scent of the fruit.

Look for those that emit the sweet scent of pineapple.

More than its color and other physical characteristics, this is a good indicator that the ripe fruit is ready for harvest or for consumption.

Step 1: Place the pineapple and secondary piece of fruit in the paper bag.

Step 2: Fold the top of the bag closed.

Step 3: Leave the paper bag on the countertop at room temperature for 12 hours.

Step 4: Check the pineapple to see if it has reached the desired look and feel.

You will know that your pineapple is ready when you smell it and it has that perfect sweet scent that is so familiar.

Once it reaches this point be sure to remove both pieces of fruit from the paper bag. 

Pineapple can go from unripe to overripe using this process quickly.

So keep a close eye on it after those initial 12 hours.

If when you first check, the pineapple doesn’t seem ready set a timer and check it every 2 hours until it is. 

While a pineapple will soften in the fridge, it will not ripen further in the refrigerator.

It is best to leave the fruit on the counter at room temperature.

However, if you are trying to slow down the spoil of the fruit, you can wrap it tightly in saran wrap and then place in the fridge drawer.

You won’t have to wonder how to ripen a pineapple if you can get a ripe one to begin with.

Take note of the signs that indicate the fruit is ready for consumption. 

However, there will be instances when the methods indicated above come in handy.

The good news is these steps are very easy and they won’t take much time. 

Pineapple has a distinct taste and lends a tropical touch to dishes and drinks.

Plus, it has amazing benefits for health and fitness. 

It serves as immune system support, helps strengthen bones, contributes to eye health, aids in digestion, provides anti-inflammatory benefits, reduces blood clots, and assists in reducing common cold and sinus inflammation. 

However, eating unripe pineapple fruit or juice can have adverse effects on your health.

These include numbness of the lips, cheeks, and tongue.

Large quantities may also lead to nausea and vomiting due to its high amounts of vitamin C.

Some people may also have allergic reactions such as skin rashes, diarrhea, and sometimes excessive menstrual flow.

Knowing the negative effects of unripe pineapple, you can understand why the steps mentioned above would be important.

Please feel free to leave questions or additional information in the comment section below and don’t forget to share this article with your pineapple-loving friends.