How to tell if a pineapple is ripe?

Look for a golden-yellow color starting from the base. A ripe pineapple should smell sweet at the bottom and give slightly when squeezed.

How to store cut pineapple?

Store cut pineapple in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It needs to be kept cold to prevent fermentation.

Can you freeze fresh pineapple?

Yes! Cut it into chunks and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a bag. It lasts 10-12 months.

What are the dark spots in a pineapple?

Dark brown spots usually indicate bruising or over-ripeness. If the flesh around them is mushy or smells fermented, cut that part away or discard.

How to store fresh cut pineapple?

Keep it submerged in its own juice or store in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 5-7 days.

Type	State	Pantry	Fridge	Freezer
Whole Pineapple	fresh	Not Recommended	5 days - 1 week	10-12 months

Pineapple Freshness Guide: Selection, Storage, and Expiration Facts

There is nothing quite like the sweet, tangy explosion of a fresh pineapple. But pick a bad one, and you are left with a woody, sour mess. Or worse, you leave it on the counter one day too long and it turns into a science experiment.

How Long Does Pineapple Last?

Pineapple stops ripening the moment it is picked. It won’t get sweeter, only softer and eventually fermented.

Fresh (Whole or Cut)

Refrigerator: Lasts 5–7 days.
Freezer: Lasts 10–12 months (300–360 days).

Pro Tip: While a whole pineapple can sit on the counter for a day or two, it’s best to refrigerate it to slow down deterioration. Once cut, it must go in the fridge.

How to Tell if Pineapple is Ripe or Bad

Selecting the perfect pineapple is an art, and knowing when to toss it is a science.

The “Ripe” Check

Smell: Sniff the base. It should smell sweet and fragrant. No smell? It’s under-ripe. Vinegary smell? It’s over-ripe.
Touch: Give it a gentle squeeze. It should have a little “give,” like a ripe avocado. Rock hard means it’s not ready (and won’t get ready).
Leaf Pull: This is controversial, but if a center leaf pulls out easily, it’s often ready to eat.

The “Bad” Check (Spoilage Signs)

Vinegar Smell: A strong vinegary or fermented smell means the sugars are turning into alcohol. It’s rotting.
Mushy Texture: If the bottom is watery or overly mushy, or juice is leaking out, it’s gone.
Mold: Look for mold in the eyes (the prickly parts) or fuzzy white/green spots on the surface or bottom.
Color: While gold is good, browning or dark patches on the skin usually indicate bruising or internal rot.

How to Store Pineapple

Whole Pineapple

Keep it in the fridge. Unlike bananas or tomatoes, cold doesn’t hurt pineapple quality; it preserves it.

Cut Pineapple

Air is the enemy. Store chunks in an airtight container.
Juice is your friend. If possible, store the chunks with some of the juice to keep them moist.
Freeze it. For smoothies, cut into chunks, freeze on a baking sheet (so they don’t clump), then bag them.

FAQs

What about brown spots inside?

If you cut it open and see small brown spots near the core, it might just be “internal browning” from temperature changes. Taste a small piece; if it tastes fine, eat around the spots. If it tastes fermented, toss it.

Can I leave cut pineapple out?

No. Bacteria love the high sugar content. Cut pineapple should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

How to Store Pineapple: Ripe Selection & Fridge Life Guide

Spoilage Signs

Is it spoiled?

Expiration Calculator

Shelf Life Guide