There’s nothing better than fresh pineapple. That sweet, zingy flavor can tantalize the taste buds. It is so refreshing, goes with many dishes, and you can enjoy it as a sweet or savory snack! Do you love eating pineapple?
Want to know how long they last? How to tell if they have gone bad, and how to store pineapple so that you can enjoy it for longer? We can help you out!
How Long Do Pineapples Last?
Pineapples last a different amount of time depending on how they are stored. For instance, a store-bought, uncut, ripe pineapple will last for around three days on the kitchen countertop at room temperature before it starts to go bad and is inedible.
If you store your pineapple in the refrigerator, then it can last around 6 days before it starts to deteriorate. Sometimes, if it was bought unripened, then it can last a few more days- but you should check if it has gone bad before consuming it.
If the pineapple is cut up into pieces, then it will last for around three to four days in a refrigerator. You can extend this time by placing them in a ziploc bag and putting them in the freezer. If you have canned pineapple, then you should check the best-by date on the can.
The majority of the time, canned pineapple will have a shelf life of about 3-6 months. But, you can check the insides upon opening to see if it is okay to eat. This brings us onto our next section- how do you know if pineapple is safe to eat and has not gone bad?
How To Tell If Pineapples Have Gone Bad?
Let’s say you bought a pineapple, or you have freshly cut up pineapple. It’s been sitting in your refrigerator for a few days, and you’re unsure if it is okay to eat. The good news is that there are a few tell-tale signs to see if your pineapple has gone bad, and if it is safe to consume.
Some easy-to-spot signs that your pineapple has gone bad is if the leaves on a whole pineapple have started to discolor, or look dried up. You will also find that the pineapple is very soft to the touch, and will bruise easily.
In these cases, sometimes, it is just a case of cutting off and removing the bruised part of the pineapple, and the rest of the fruit is fine to eat.
However, if the pineapple feels wet, is moldy, or the bottom of the pineapple seems mushy, then it has already started to deteriorate. Mold is a clear sign that the fruit has gone bad.
Mold will most likely start to appear on the bottom of the whole pineapple, or under the skin when it is cut. When the pineapple is cut open, you may see brown, soft spots on the flesh. This is a sign that it has started to go off.
Do not eat the brown areas, but if the others are still fresh and bright yellow, then these parts of the pineapple should be safe to eat. For canned pineapple, most should retain their shelf life for a long time.
However, if the can is leaking, dented, or rusty, then the contents could be damaged and start to deteriorate. Finally, if you cut open the pineapple, and it has a strange odor, such as a slightly fermented smell rather than nice and fresh, then it has started to go bad.
How To Store Pineapple?
To ensure that your pineapple remains fresher for longer, you will need to store it properly. The first step is to take your whole pineapple, and check the body for soft areas or any bruises. You will not want soft spots or bruises, as these can brown the fruit and make it go bad.
Then, look at the leaves at the top. These should be fresh looking, alive, and very green in color. You do not need to store pineapples at room temperature. While they are often sold at room temperature, they will do best in the refrigerator, as this can extend its shelf life.
That being said, if you are going to consume the pineapple within the next few hours or two days, then you can store it on the counter, at room temperature, or in the pantry. If you are eating the pineapple in a few days, then keep it in the refrigerator.
Also, if you have purchased pineapple that is already cut up and sliced, then definitely keep it in the refrigerator straight away.
When it comes to storing whole pineapple, you will need to cut it up first, and place the chunks in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, as this can maintain its freshness.
Canned pineapple should be kept in a cool, dry place, such as in the cupboard and out of direct sunlight.
Can Pineapple Be Frozen?
Yes, pineapples can be frozen. This is the best way to extend the shelf life if you will not be eating it in the next few days. To freeze pineapple, cut it up into smaller chunks, and place in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container.
Then, add the date and label to the container, and freeze them. When you want to defrost the pineapple chunks ready for eating, simply remove from the freezer and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Summary
To summarize, a whole pineapple will last on the counter at room temperature for about two to three days until it starts to go bad. When stored in the refrigerator, it can last for up to six days before it starts to deteriorate.
If the pineapple is sliced up into chunks, then you can keep them in the refrigerator for about three to four days. However, you can keep pineapple in the freezer, if stored properly in a ziplock bag for up to 12 months!
