Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is sweet, slightly tart and juicy. It contains a rich assortment of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, along with fibre and an enzyme called bromelain. Pineapple is very versatile. It’s delicious eaten on its own or can be used in sweet or savoury dishes.  It pairs well with chicken or fish, in zesty salsas, salads, on pizza, grilled or in fried rice. It can also be used in cakes, smoothies, popsicles or pina coladas!

How to tell if a pineapple is ripe:  The colour of the outside shell of the pineapple is the best way to tell. When ripe, it will be light to medium yellow.  A bit of green colouring is ok, but a fully green shell indicates its underripe and a dark yellow or orange colour means its overripe. Another test is to smell the bottom of the pineapple. If its smells fruity and sweet, its ripe. If there is no smell, its likely underripe.  If it smells a bit fermented or sour, the natural sugars are starting to ferment and its overripe. An underripe pineapple is best marinated and grilled or baked with other sugars, to soften and sweeten it. If your pineapple is slightly too ripe, but not rotten, cut it into pieces and freeze it for in smoothies or baking later on. 

Did you know? In general, pineapples do not ripen after they are picked. When its sitting on your kitchen bench, the pineapple will become softer and juicier, but it will not become sweeter. This is because the pineapple’s sugar comes from the starches in the stem of the plant and once cut off the stem, the pineapple cannot produce sugar on its own.