Pineapples are the result of hundreds of fruitlets clustering together.
It belongs to the bromeliads family and is interestingly the only edible fruit of its kind.
This is a fruit that is rich in bromelain, which is beneficial for easing inflammation or lessening arthritis pain.
Pineapples are also rich sources of vitamin C, which is essential for the human body to maintain a healthy immune system.
Pineapples can be pricer than other fruits, and this can be because of two main reasons.
The first is that each plant produces a single pineapple. The second is that each pineapple can take up to three full years to mature.
Therefore, harvesters tend to adopt the crown cutting and planting method because it speeds up the growing process.
Another interesting tidbit about pineapples is that they do not ripen once they are harvested.
You may want to reconsider before buying pineapples in bulk, hoping that they will ripen over time at home.
Once a pineapple is ripe, it tends to perish rather quickly. It isn’t a fruit ideal for stocking.
This article answers frequently asked questions such as how long do pineapples last? And how do I know when a pineapple is no longer edible?
How Long Do Pineapples Last? Do Pineapples Go Bad?
A fully ripe pineapple usually has a shelf life of two or three days. You may be able to extend its edible date by a day or so if you refrigerate it.
If you opt for cut slices of pineapple, you can eat them over three or four days when refrigerated.
If you freeze cut slices of pineapple, you may be able to relish them for up to three or five months.
When a pineapple is kept at room temperature, it begins to ferment rather quickly.
It also develops a more acidic content, instead of getting sweeter, unlike most other fruits.
All fruits, whether avocados or blackberries or pineapples, do not have a ‘use by’ date per se.
Their ‘usability’ date typically depends on when they were harvested.
In supermarkets, pineapples are usually found in the non-refrigerated section.
But keeping them at room temperature for a long time isn’t ideal.
You can keep them on your kitchen counter if you plan to eat it the same day or within the next few days.
But after that, there are chances for rotting to set in.
A pineapple may look prickly and tough, but it bruises easily.
To ensure that it doesn’t suffer damage while in the fridge, place it in a plastic bag.
Avoid over-tightening the bag, though. Leave a bit of room for the pineapple to breathe.
To correctly store cut slices of pineapple, place them in clean and airtight containers.
You can also put them into a freezer bag after you’ve squeezed out as much air from the bag.
If you opt for canned pineapple, keep the containers in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Although freezing or refrigerating pineapples extends their shelf life, they may deplete the fruit’s original taste.
Therefore, it is better to buy the canned ones if you want to relish this fruit over an extended period of time.
How to Tell if a Pineapple is Bad? Pineapples Shelf Life!
There are telltale signs to spot a spoiled pineapple. For instance, if there is visible mold on its body or leaves, it indicates the presence of fungus.
A rotten pineapple also typically feels soft, or it has soft spots in areas where it is spoiled.
Check the pineapple’s bottom. If it is wet and feels soft, or secretes whitish matter, it is no longer edible.
Another telltale indicator of a spoiled pineapple is its smell. Don’t take your chances with any pineapple that smells fermented, sour, or vinegary.
In terms of its color, a ‘healthy’ pineapple is green or yellow. Dark old, brown, or orange are not good colors for a ‘good’ pineapple.
If you notice white spots on a pineapple’s exterior or leaves, they are likely to be mold. Do not eat the fruit in this case.
However, if you see white polyps on a pineapple’s flesh along its indentations, you can eat the fruit.
The latter type of ‘white spots’ is simply the fruit’s ovaries (this is where seeds form).
How Long Do Pineapples Last? Do Pineapples Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Pineapples
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.