How to store pineapples at home correctly

Many people love pineapples, because when this amazing fruit appears in the house, you immediately feel some kind of holiday, magic. But you need to know how to store pineapples. Moreover, there are quite a lot of options for storing them.

The real taste of pineapple can only be felt if such a large cone with a bright green tuft is ripe. The scales hide the yellow, juicy and aromatic flesh, with added notes of sourness.

This is exactly what real fruit tastes like. But often they buy fruit that is not quite ripe so that it can sit until the holidays. Therefore, housewives often wonder how to store pineapple. Although in reality, preserving fresh, flavorful pieces is not that difficult. We will tell you how to do this.

Benefits of pineapple

Fresh fruits have a positive effect on the digestive system. They contain substances that help break down and absorb:

carbohydrates;
proteins;
fats.

With the help of exotic fruit, metabolism is accelerated, which promotes weight loss. As you understand, this is a real storehouse of all useful elements.

Just don't overdo it with its use.

150 g per day is enough. Because excess leads to a set of extra pounds. The energy value of 100 g of fruit is 48 kcal. But it also helps strengthen the immune system.

Pineapple: is there any harm?

Despite its beneficial properties and composition, pineapple, like other exotic fruits, can be very harmful. Especially for nursing mothers and small children. First of all, this is an allergic reaction, which manifests itself in the form of skin itching, redness and various rashes.

In addition, swelling and difficulty breathing, increased excitability and sleep disturbances, upset stomach and changes in stool, pain and discomfort in the abdomen may be observed.

Pineapple, due to its high content of various acids, corrodes tooth enamel. Therefore, after eating this fruit, you need to rinse your mouth with clean water or a special mouthwash. It is better to drink pineapple juice through a straw.

The product contains many essential oils and organic fruit acids, which increases the acidity of the stomach and increases the risk of exacerbation of chronic diseases.

As we already mentioned, store-bought canned pineapple is not the best option. It includes increased amounts of citric acid and sugar, dangerous chemical additives and preservatives. Such products cause poisoning, allergies, digestive and dental problems, and provoke excess weight.

Pineapple should not be eaten if you have urolithiasis, diseases of the excretory system and digestion, with increased stomach acidity and colitis, with ulcers and gastritis, with arthritis, rheumatism and hypotension. It is prohibited for individual intolerance and diabetes, skin diseases and eczema. The product is not recommended for people with sensitive teeth or thin or damaged tooth enamel.

Choosing pineapples

Often in retail outlets you can buy unripe fruit. This is already standard practice. Therefore, they may already lose their exquisite taste in the store. And the quality will not be up to par.

Try not to make the mistake of buying fresh exotic fruit for your celebration.

We adhere to and take into account:

When pineapples are harvested, they are not yet fully ripe. The ripe fruit is immediately visible. This means that appropriate conditions have been provided for its growth and development.
A good fruit with a brown-golden skin color.
The ratio of the size of the fruit and its weight must comply with the norms (the average weight of a fruit is more than 900 grams). Because pineapples are often subjected to wet processing before being displayed on the shelves. This is done for weight, but not for taste.
The pineapple should have a raw bottom and a soft surface.
Dessert varieties of fruit have large scales. If they are small, then the pineapple contains sourness. They are usually used in cooking.
If the fruit has a very strong specific aroma, then try to consume such fruits right away. They cannot be stored. The fruit is fully ripened and will spoil if not eaten immediately.

Instructions on how to plant pineapple at home

To grow pineapple, it is recommended to take a pot no more than 12-15 centimeters in diameter. This size will be optimal for young roots and the soil in the container will not have time to sour. A drainage hole should be provided in the pot to drain water.

The procedure for laying soil in a pot:

add expanded clay to the bottom;
then a mixture of coarse river sand. Perlite can be used as an analogue;
then add peat;
lay sheet or turf soil.

A couple of days before planting the plant, it is recommended to pour boiling water over the substrate. This will help disinfect and moisten the soil.

Experienced flower growers, answering the question: “What kind of soil is needed for pineapple at home?”, often recommend ready-made soil “For cacti.” It can be purchased without any problems at flower shops.

Now you need to create the conditions for roots to appear. To do this, the rosette is placed in a glass of water, so that the water does not touch the leaves. You will have to wait about a month for the roots to appear. The level and quality of water during this period must be controlled. As soon as the top gives roots and they grow 3 centimeters, the moment comes when you can plant the pineapple in the ground.

Planting a pineapple

In the soil prepared for planting, a small hole is made in which the lower part of the stem is placed. Then it is carefully covered with earth

In this case, it is important that the main part of the rosette remains on the surface, and the stem sits firmly in the ground. Next, it is recommended to water the plant a little and cover the top with a plastic bag.

It is easier for a plant grown in greenhouse conditions to take root. But you need to remember that the shelter must be cleaned daily for ventilation. The package can be removed completely only after the “tuft” has completely taken root. Typically, rooting occurs a month to a month and a half after planting.

REFERENCE: It is recommended to replant a growing pineapple into a large pot once a year.

What kind of pineapples can be stored?

Buying fruit:

Inspect it for integrity, stains, rot, mold.
You definitely need to smell it. It should have a pleasant smell.
Try to lightly press on the skin and pay attention to whether it is restored or not. Then you will buy a good pineapple.
If you want it to sit with you, choose an unripe fruit. He will finish his life at home.
Pay attention to the peel and scales. The fruit should be yellow-green in color, with the same shape of scales. And with their increase from the extreme part to the central one.
Fresh leaves with a rich green color.
Slap your palm on it. Hear a dull sound - the fruit is ripe.

How to choose the right pineapple for storage

The pineapples on our store shelves grow in South America and Southeast Asia. The fruit is heat-loving and perishable. For delivery from afar, they are often removed green and violate storage conditions.

To choose a high-quality, tasty pineapple, pay attention to:

appearance;
weight;

smell;
state of the crown.

Color: The color of the scales ranges from yellow to brown. The peel is without dark spots or damage. The veins between the scales are greenish in color. If the color at the base is yellow with a transition to green, this is the second degree of ripeness and such fruit cannot be consumed fresh.

Weight: If you pick up a pineapple and weigh it in your palm, it should seem heavier than it looks. The plant is large, but too light - it is not ripe or has dried out. Normal weight for medium size is 1-1.5 kg.

Density: The fruit is dense to the touch, elastic, but not hard. Under your hand, the pulp gives way and immediately returns to its original position. When you press on the peel, a dent forms - the pineapple is overripe or rotten.

Crown: The leaves come out of the crown freely but look green and fresh. You can slightly twist the plume from side to side, it rotates. The leaves sit tightly - the fruit is unripe.

Ripe pineapple emits a soft, sweet aroma. If it is not there, you have an immature specimen in your hands. And when it smells rotten, the product has gone bad.

Fine:

The leaves from the crown are easy to pull out.
The fruit is golden brown.
When tapping, a dull sound is heard.
The leaf crown separates from the fruit when twisted.
A light aroma is heard.

Badly:

When pressed with a finger, a dent remains on the peel.
The leaves are limp, yellow or gray.
The smell of fermentation spreads.
There are dark unnatural spots on the surface.
Green peel color.

Features of choosing a ripe pineapple

It’s better not to buy pineapple for the New Year in advance, as if you wanted to save a watermelon from the summer. If you buy a tropical fruit 1-2 months before the event, you can only store it in the freezer. They choose an exotic fruit a couple of weeks before the holiday. Then it will finally ripen at home, but will not have time to spoil.

How to create ideal natural storage conditions

Can pineapples be stored at room temperature?

This storage method is suitable

Try to keep the room temperature low, 18-20 degrees and air humidity up to 90%.
Store in a dark, ventilated place. If you want to store several fruits, place them at a distance of 10 cm from each other.
When laying in a horizontal position, they should be turned over. Place it on its side in a vertical position several times a day for 40 minutes.
If you see damage, use it immediately.

How to prepare correctly?

If you decide to properly prepare the fruit for further storage, you must follow several important rules. Let's get to know them better.

To keep juicy fruit fresh and tasty longer, it is better to wrap it in a clean piece of paper. Don't forget to poke small holes in it with a toothpick. It was already indicated above that if the paper becomes very wet, it is necessary to change it.
When wrapping fruit in plastic wrap, there is a risk of condensation forming on the peel. In this case, to extend the “life” of the pineapple, you will need to unwrap the product and wipe it with a dry kitchen towel or thick cloth. After this, it is again wrapped in film, but without condensation.
If you want to store the product at room temperature, you need to prepare properly. Try to keep the room temperature not too high or low. Take care of the humidity level - it should not exceed 90%.
Make sure that the room in which the fruit will be located is ventilated. If you want to store several fruits, they must be spread out, maintaining a distance of at least 10 cm from each other.
It is very important to inspect the fruit before storing it.

Also, before storing, pineapples must be freed from leaves and peeled off their scaly peel. The fruit pulp can be cut as desired.

Storing pineapples at home is very easy. If you prepare correctly and provide optimal environmental parameters for the fruit, it will remain ripe and fresh longer.

Let's go back to the fact that fruits are bought in advance and are not too ripe

Therefore, greenish pineapple will do best at room temperature. But he shouldn’t stay in such conditions for long. Up to 3 days is possible, longer it will begin to throw out dark spots on the surface.

There should not be strong humidity in the room. Otherwise, the question of how to store pineapple will be irrelevant.

If you have purchased ripe fruit, place it in the refrigerator compartment for fruits and vegetables. Watch the temperature. It should be 8-10 degrees there. If there is less, the fruit will become watery and tasteless.

Useful properties of pineapple

After the question “how to store pineapple?” buyers are usually also interested in what beneficial properties its fruits have. This fruit is loved by all girls and women in the world who strive for an ideal weight. According to rumors, pineapple allows you to quickly break down fats and remove them from the body. Actually this is not true. Pineapple has the greatest effect on the breakdown of proteins and helps the body absorb them.

However, only the fresh product has these properties - you should not pay attention to medications that contain bromelain and are positioned as necessary for weight loss

In addition, this fruit has a fairly low calorie content and has less than 50 calories per 100 grams of food. This is another argument in favor of including it in the diet of women and men who are losing weight. However, you should be careful - pineapple is not recommended for people with stomach ulcers and gastritis. Otherwise, this sweet and juicy fruit is completely safe, even if consumed in excess, and can be used in recipes for completely different dishes.

Let's figure out where to store pineapples

They belong on the vegetable shelf in the refrigerator. Temperature 7-10 degrees. It is only within such limits that the rich taste and aroma are not lost, and it does not deteriorate.

Air humidity is 90%, but not higher. Otherwise they will start to grow mold. If the air is very dry they will begin to wither.

Constantly inspect the fruit. If spots or brown tints appear, trim them off immediately. Eat the rest immediately.

Where and how to store pineapple at home so that it ripens

Once I bought a pineapple, and it turned out to be unripe. At first I was upset, I thought I would have to throw it away. But in vain. It turns out that you can let it ripen. I’ll tell you how now.

Just leave the pineapple in a warm and sunny place. It sounds corny, but it's true. After 2-3 days you will see that the fruit has become softer and ready to eat.
Cover the fruit on all sides with ripe apples and pears. In this case, ripening will occur within 2 days.
Wrap it in paper and make several holes in it for ventilation. Place in a dark place. This method is suitable for completely green specimens. The ripening process will then take 5-7 days. At the same time, regularly turn the pineapple from side to side so that it does not rot.

Did you buy a green avocado unsuccessfully? Then read how to quickly ripen an avocado. I think the information will be useful to you.

Author's note

Natalia Papanova

Blog author

Do not eat unripe fruits. Their juice can irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, causing discomfort.

Unripe pineapple can be hazardous to health

FAQ

Natalia Papanova

Blog author

Ask your question

Storing pineapples is a simple procedure. But sometimes I had questions that put me in a difficult position. To prevent this from happening to you, I will share the answers. I think this information will help you a lot.

Where can you store pineapple so it doesn't spoil?

To prevent pineapple from spoiling, it is best to store it in a cool and dark place. A cellar, basement, refrigerator are suitable.

How to preserve pineapple at home for a week?

To do this, you can use the methods that I described above: wrap it in paper, put it next to other fruits, and so on. It’s even easier to put it in the refrigerator. The pineapple will definitely stay there for a week.

How to preserve pineapple for the New Year?

You can preserve pineapple until the New Year using the freezer or canning. We've looked at both of these methods, so choose either one.

How to use a refrigerator for storage

This is where the fruit is most comfortable. They put them there whole. Wrap in thick paper sheets. When the paper becomes damp, it is replaced. You can use a plastic bag with many holes for wrapping. This is a kind of ventilation so that the fruits do not rot.

A refrigerator shelf can store pineapples for 12 days. Unripe fruits up to 2 weeks. Green until 21 days.

And there are also several options:

If you want a whole pineapple, then it should lie next to other fruits. It will be delicious for almost the whole ten days of the month (10 days).
You can put the fruits in bags and also keep them on the shelf. If there is air in the bags, the pineapples will last almost 12 days.
If you bought ripe fruit and want to store it, cut it and put it in a container with an airtight lid. You don’t have to look there for up to 5 days.

What does a ripe and sweet fruit look like?

When a pineapple is shipped by sea, it is picked while still green. Its ripening occurs along the way. The suitable time for harvesting fruits is the period April - June, as well as December - January. During these months, pineapples are at their best.

When thinking about how to choose a ripe and sweet pineapple, you should understand the main indicators of product quality. Signs of a ripe fruit include:

Externally, the crust may be yellowish, slightly reddish or brown in color.
Symmetrical shape.
The bottom of the fruit is hard and dry.
Ripe fruit should be heavier than it looks.
The eyes are large and pronounced. There are no stains or signs of rotting on the scales.

Small pineapples are sweeter than large ones. The same applies to varieties whose leaves are spiny.

When figuring out how to choose a ripe pineapple, you should know the signs of an unripe and overripe fruit. In the first case, the fruit is hard, has a green tail and lacks aroma. The presence of spots on the rind, softness of the fruit, the appearance of dents, and a pungent odor indicate an overripe pineapple.

Pineapple variety with spiny leaves

How to store frozen pineapples

Any degree of fruit ripeness can be used for freezing.

Preliminary:

wash;
dry with a paper towel;
remove leaves;
trim the peel;
cut the pulp as you wish.

Any shape will do: rings, half rings, cubes, slices. Place in bags and place in the freezer.

You don't have to peel the fruit. Only after washing, trim the tufts. Place in bags and freeze. Frozen fruit can be stored for 3-4 months. They cannot be re-frozen.

For the future

If it happens that the pineapple remains unclaimed, and you are running out, don’t be upset. Pineapple is a versatile product; it is suitable for preparing many dishes. Your task is to prevent it from deteriorating and properly prepare it for further storage.

Candied fruit

Can be used in making desserts or simply as a “yummy” addition to tea. This is one of the best storage methods; in this state, all useful properties are fully preserved. For candied fruits, the fruits are cut into pieces or slices, placed in thick sugar syrup for a couple of days, and then removed and dried in a cool, dark place.

Freezing

Preparing candied fruits will take time, so if there is very little pineapple left, you can freeze it. Cut into cubes, place in one layer on a dish and place in the freezer. Then put the cubes in a bag and put them away. They can be used in the preparation of desserts, drinks and for decorating a wide variety of dishes.

Pineapple is an exotic fruit that has a lot of positive qualities: amazing taste, unique aroma, a huge amount of vitamins and microelements.

When mentioning this tropical “beauty,” the famous lines of Mayakovsky come to mind: “Eat pineapples, chew hazel grouse...” In the era of Tsarist Russia, this fruit could only be found in rich houses, but today it is a guest in any home, as on a festive table, and in the daily menu.

Despite the widespread popularity of pineapple, it is still able to bring a bit of solemnity and luxury into the room. However, this fruit is quite capricious during storage.

Many amino acids, vitamins and minerals make pineapple essential for the health of the body.

Pineapple has only 50 kcal. The low calorie content and bromelain make it suitable for use in diets.

The latter promotes the rapid breakdown of proteins in the body and also helps to absorb fats and carbohydrates. This is the element that increases the efficiency of food processing in the gastrointestinal tract.

Currently, you can come across an erroneous claim that bromelain, derived from pineapple, helps you lose weight. This is not entirely true, although it is quite possible to achieve this goal simply by eating fruit.

Ripening unripe pineapples at home

Do you need fruit, but it's not ripe? They can be helped to ripen within 2-3 days. To do this, prepare a dark, well-ventilated place for them. Humidity should reach 80-90%, temperature 20-25 degrees.

You can store the fruits on their side, but keep an eye on them as described above. If the neighbors are: apples, citrus fruits, avocados, then the ripening time of pineapples will speed up, because fruits emit ethylene.

And such gas, as you know, will help our tropical guest ripen. Wrap the fruits in paper. If you want to get sweet fruits, place them and turn them upside down. Don't forget to cut off the leaves.

How to protect pineapple from mold?

Storing pineapples at home is often accompanied by another unpleasant problem - the appearance of mold. Occurs when the correct conditions are not met. The most common cause is too high a temperature and high humidity.

Temperatures above +12 degrees have a negative effect on pineapples during long-term storage.

In addition, humidity above 90% is also bad for the condition of the fruit.

Pineapples can be stored for an average of a week at a temperature of about + 11 C without observing additional conditions. But if the buyer needs to store fruit for several weeks, it is better to follow the recommendations given in the article.

How long can unripe pineapples be stored?

No, they will not be stored fresh for a long time. Only frozen. You can make preserves from the pulp:

Wash the fruit, dry it, peel it.
Slice. Use any form. The most acceptable are rings.
Pour syrup into pineapples in an enamel bowl (1 liter of water per 0.5 kg of sugar). Cover the fruit completely. And so let them stand for 12 hours.
After this, boil for 10 minutes
Sterilize the jars, place the fruit, pour hot syrup into the jars, and seal tightly. Like any other jam, fruits can be stored in this form for a whole year, or even three.

Storage rules

Ripe pineapple spoils quickly enough, even if you place it in the refrigerator or cellar. After purchase, it is advisable to use the product within 7-10 days . If it sits longer, the taste first begins to deteriorate, and then rotting processes develop. There are different ways to store pineapple at home, including those that differ depending on the initial state of the fruit.

Ripe unpeeled fruit

Ripe, ready-to-eat pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks . It is desirable that the temperature be in the range +7 +8 °C . Ideally, it should be placed in a special fruit compartment , if available. Modern refrigerators allow you to regulate the temperature in this section separately from the main chamber. If the fruit is not yet ripe, under such conditions it will not deteriorate within 3 weeks .

Before placing it in the refrigerator, it should be wrapped in paper . You can also use a plastic bag , but paper is much better. To allow the fruit to breathe, small holes need to be made in the bag. The fruit must be turned over daily to prevent it from caking. Pineapple should not be stored in an upright position at all times.

Condensation sometimes accumulates in a bag or paper , especially if there are no holes or there are too few of them. Moisture should be removed in a timely manner, otherwise it will lead to rapid deterioration of the exotic product. You can remove drops of condensation from the fruit itself using a napkin. If moisture forms, it is advisable to completely change the wrapper.

It is extremely important to use an individual bag , even if the fruit is in the fruit compartment. Pineapple very actively absorbs third-party odors, which can have a sharply negative effect on its taste.

It is advisable not to allow the temperature to drop below +7 °C . In such conditions, the fruit freezes and loses its taste. But the temperature should not rise above +8 °C

It is not recommended to keep ripe fruit at room temperature for a long time. The maximum he can stay in such conditions is 2 days . Next, dark spots will begin to appear and putrefactive processes will develop.

Ripe fruit can also be frozen . It is not necessary to cut it. The peel can be removed or left as desired. But, when stored in the freezer with the peel, the taste is better preserved.

Peeled and cut pineapple

If the fruit has already been peeled but not yet consumed, it can also be stored in the refrigerator. To do this, it should be cut into slices , which are placed on a ceramic or glass dish. Iron utensils cannot be used; due to metal oxidation, the product will quickly deteriorate. The dish with the slices should be covered with cling film and placed in the refrigerator.

Cut pineapple can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 2-3 days . It is not advisable to store it for too long, since the taste deteriorates very quickly.

If you cannot finish eating the fruit within 2-3 days, you can freeze it. To do this you need:

Cut the fruit into small slices.
Place the pieces in a special food container. In extreme cases, you can use a regular plastic bag.
Place the container in the freezer.

In this way, the nutritional value of the delicacy can be preserved for 4 months . But, you should understand that after defrosting, its taste will no longer be as pleasant and rich as when fresh. In general, the taste characteristics are preserved well. The main thing is that the container protects against the penetration of third-party odors.

If you don’t want to eat a defrosted pineapple, for example, because the taste is too weak, it can be used to prepare all kinds of salads, sauces, additives for baking meat, etc. It is important not to refreeze the fruit , this will lead to a deterioration not only of the taste , but also a consistency that can simply turn into porridge.

Ripening pineapple at home

Quite often, pineapples are sold unripe so that they do not spoil during transportation and storage in the store warehouse. This fruit should be allowed to ripen at home. However, it is important to maintain a balance so that it does not start to deteriorate.

After purchasing, the fruit should not be immediately put into the refrigerator. It should be left at room temperature . It is desirable that the humidity in the room is at 80% . At high humidity it will begin to rot, at low humidity it will dry out. The room should be well ventilated. The fruit should not be in the open sun.

be turned over periodically . The process can take from 2 days to a week, depending on the initial state of the pineapple. To speed up ripening, you need to cut off the leaves and turn the fruit upside down.

Ripening is greatly accelerated by exposure to ethylene . Naturally, you won’t be able to get it at home. But some fruits and vegetables actively emit gas, for example, apples, pears and tomatoes. Therefore, an unripe pineapple can simply be surrounded by such products. It is important to carefully monitor the process to prevent overripening.

Canned pineapple

Many people buy the product in canned form. It is usually sold in cans, cut into slices and filled with special juice. After purchase, the closed jar should be immediately placed in the refrigerator . In this form, the delicacy can be stored for the entire period indicated on the package. Once opened, it should be consumed within no more than 3 days .

From the tin container, the pineapple slices along with the liquid should be transferred immediately after opening into a glass or ceramic container. This will prevent damage due to metal oxidation.

Home canning

To extend the shelf life of the fruit, it can be preserved using the following technology:

Peel, cut into rings and place in an enamel container.
Fill the container with sugar syrup. For 1 liter of water, 250 g of sugar is used.
Let sit at room temperature for 12 hours.
Boil for 10 minutes.
Pour into jars and roll up.

In this form, the product retains its properties for up to 1 year when stored in a cool place. After opening the can, the canned fruit should be consumed within 2-3 days .

Are pineapples subject to resuscitation?

If storage conditions are violated, pineapples will spoil. And conditions may be different during transportation and in the store. If your pineapple spoils, quickly remove the peel and cut the undamaged flesh into pieces.

Then, wrap each piece in cling film and put it in the refrigerator. You can freeze these pieces or can them. Because simply in the refrigerator, such a fruit cannot last for several days.

Is it possible to protect against mold?

If pineapples are stored for a long time, they may become moldy. Its development will be facilitated by high air humidity and temperature.

Store fruit in the refrigerator. And check them often.

A method that will help store a tropical guest for 4 months

For this method you need the fruit peeled and cut into small slices. They are placed in special sealed containers or bags. Stored in the freezer.

Origin of pineapple

At first glance, most people have the impression that such fruits should grow on palm trees.
In fact, pineapple grows on small bushes that barely reach a meter in height. However, these plants are able to withstand large and juicy fruits, which can weigh about 10 kilograms. The plant does not bear fruit until the second year of life - at first it grows independently, pouring juice. The narrow leaves can grow over half a meter in length, distinguished by small spines that are used to protect against pests.

After about a year, the plant produces a single inflorescence, in which the pollinated flowers quickly develop into berries and then form a single whole fruit.

Conclusion

Set the optimal temperature to 7-8 degrees so that you can enjoy the fruit after a while (14 days) without loss.
If you send fruits to a cool place, do not forget to wrap them in paper or cotton cloth. Place in bags with holes. When storing fruits, turn them several times a day. Try not to open the package so that foreign odors do not affect the fruit.
Keep an eye on the temperature so that it is not less than 7 degrees, because the fruit will freeze. And the degrees cannot be exceeded above 8. The fruits will begin to become moldy or rot.
Monitor the air humidity level. Otherwise, the exotic will begin to wither.
If you bought the fruit unripe, then you can store it in the room, but no more than three days. During this time, it will gain aroma and taste.
I came up with a solution to freeze the fruit. Then the fruits are peeled, cut and placed in bags.
If you turn the fruits in the refrigerator, don’t be too zealous. And do not remove the bag or cloth from pineapples, not only in the refrigerator, but also in other cool places.
If you need fruit for an upcoming holiday, then know that it will be fine in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for 10-12 days, with a temperature of 6-9 degrees.

Now the question of how to store pineapple is completely resolved. If you still have any doubts, you can raise questions in the comments.

Read: Proper storage of mustard and dates: how to store?

Storage errors

Even if you buy pineapples when they are in season and follow the storage instructions, the fruits can begin to spoil within a couple of days after you bring them home. This may be due to a number of storage errors.

The most common errors encountered are:

Packing pineapple in cling film or plastic bag. In such packaging, the fruit begins to “suffocate” and rot after just a couple of days.
Storing ripe fruit at room temperature. This way you can leave only unripe pineapple if you want to bring it to a ripe state.
Storing the fruit on the lower shelves of the refrigerator. Since these shelves are located closer to the freezer, the temperature on them often drops to +2 - +5 degrees, which can lead to hypothermia of the fruit and its spoilage.
Cutting leaves from pineapple after purchase. With them, the product begins to deteriorate much more slowly.
Storing the fruit on one side. Even if you follow all the conditions for placing it, but do not turn it over at least once a day, over time it will begin to become softer and rot on this side.

Pay attention to common mistakes in order to comply with them and extend the shelf life of a valuable product, regardless of its stage of maturity.

Is it possible to “reanimate” a pineapple?

If you notice that the fruit you bought has gone bad, then don’t be too upset and blame yourself for everything. Pineapples often spoil, even if the housewife stores them according to all the rules. The reason for this may well be the fact that the fetus was kept in an unsuitable environment before being sold. If the fruit begins to spoil, you can take the following measures.

First, you will need to carefully cut the skin off the pineapple. Next, cut the fruit into rings and remove all darkened areas. After this, wrap each of the pineapple pieces tightly in cling film and put it in the refrigerator for storage.
If the fruit has minor defects, it is allowed not to be completely peeled. Just get rid of the damaged areas and wrap the remaining product in paper or plastic. After this, it is better to put the pineapple in a tray for storing vegetables and fruits.
If you see that the process of spoilage of the product has already begun, and you still need to “hold it” a little (at least a couple of days), then the whole fruit will definitely need to be thoroughly cleaned, cut into rings and the sliced fruit sent for further freezing.

Freezer storage

Frozen pineapple does not last forever, but it will last for three months without losing its taste and smell. Only for such long-term storage it must first be prepared:

Cut off the leaves.
Cut the fruit directly with the peel into circles or pre-peel it.
Place on a cutting board and freeze.
Place in ice bags.

Thaw immediately before use. Repeated freezing will turn the pineapple into an unappetizing puree.

Freezing

Freezing is an effective way to preserve pineapple for a long time, which will avoid spoilage and preserve the taste and aroma of the fruit. The main part of the valuable properties of the fruit is lost as a result of such placement, but it is better to use this method than to let it deteriorate.

Freezing is performed as follows:

Remove peel and leaves from the pineapple.
Cut the fruit into rings or cubes, based on how it will be more convenient for you to store it and how you want to use it in the future.
Drain excess juice from the fruit; you can use a colander for this.
Place the fruit on a board lined with parchment paper and cover it with cellophane or parchment. Place the board in the freezer.
After 6-8 hours, remove the board and transfer the fruit from it to plastic bags or plastic containers, sealing it tightly. Put them back in the freezer.

It is recommended to store pineapples in a compartment with berries, vegetables and other low-smelling foods so that frozen fruits do not take on their smell.

Freezing preserves pineapple for 3-4 months. When you need it, place it on the table at room temperature for several hours and use it in cooking. Pineapple is usually not consumed in its pure form after defrosting.

General recommendations

Pineapples are rather finicky fruits to store, since they arrive on store shelves unripe and often begin to rot and lose valuable properties even before they are fully ripe.

To enjoy the rich taste and aroma of the fruit and adopt its valuable properties, you need to pay attention to its proper storage.

To do this, you need to follow the recommendations:

Temperature. The best temperature for storing pineapple is from 7 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Humidity. Too low humidity in the room leads to drying out of the fruit, high humidity leads to its rotting. Keep it within 80-90%.
Light. Artificial or natural light will inevitably cause the pineapple to ripen, so if you do not need this, choose dark places to store it.
Leaves. When storing pineapple, it is not recommended to remove and cut the leaves from it, since without them it will only be stored for 1-2 days.
Smells. When storing the fruit in cut form, place it in a container with a hermetically sealed lid, otherwise the fruit will quickly absorb surrounding odors from the refrigerator.

If you buy an initially unripe pineapple, you can generally keep it intact for up to two weeks if you choose the location and placement conditions carefully.

Answers to popular questions

What if there are dark spots on the peel?

This sign is a natural indicator of spoilage of the pineapple, when detected, it becomes unfit for consumption.

How do you know if a pineapple is already ripe?

This can be easily determined by the tops - if you pull one leaf and it easily comes away from the fruit, it can be considered mature and suitable for consumption.

How long can you keep pineapple in the refrigerator?

If you put it there in an unripe state - up to 2-3 weeks, if ripe - up to 10-14 days.

Does the way you store pineapple affect its taste?

Certainly. If the pineapple is not completely ripe and you put it in the refrigerator, after cutting it will not be as juicy and tasty. This will also negatively affect its valuable properties.

Storing cut pineapple

If you cut a pineapple, but did not finish it completely, you will also have to pay attention to its storage, since after removing the peel the fruit is usually stored for no longer than 2 days.

As soon as you realize that you have a chopped part of pineapple that you will not eat or use in cooking, immediately put it in the refrigerator to stop the natural ripening processes.

You can store cut pineapple in a glass container or plastic container with a hermetically sealed lid, which will help prevent foreign odors from penetrating the contents from the refrigerator. It is not recommended to use a regular plastic bag or cling film for these purposes, since they do not protect the product from the strong odors of other products.

It is recommended to eat pineapple within 24 hours; on the second day of such storage, it becomes suitable only for use in cooking, subject to additional heat treatment.

Other ways to store fruit

Freezing is not the only way to store pineapple for a long time, which will help you save the valuable product from rotting.

There are two more methods often used by housewives:

1	Conservation	More details
2	Making candied fruits	More details

Conservation

In this case, the prepared pineapple is filled with sugar syrup and rolled into jars. Home-canned pineapples can be stored for up to 1-2 years before opening.

Making candied fruits

They are made with special dryers that evaporate all the moisture from the fruit, which is why they can be stored for up to a year.

You can use both methods when you have bought too much pineapple that you don't want to eat or use in cooking. In addition, they will help you enjoy the taste of your favorite fruit, even when it is almost impossible to find it in stores.

Storing unripe pineapple

Since the exotic fruit does not grow in the CIS countries, it is picked and brought to us unripe and sold in stores as such, which is why difficulties often arise in storing the fruit.

Your task at this stage is to allow the pineapple to ripen and avoid premature spoilage of the unripe fruit.

To do this, follow the recommendations:

Place the pineapple in a paper bag or parchment paper. If there are several of them, package the fruits in different bags.
Store the fruit in a bright, warm place. You can simply leave it on the kitchen counter or even place it on the windowsill for faster ripening.
The place should also be dry, otherwise high humidity may cause the fruit to rot.
You can add other ripe fruits (apple, banana, pear) to the pineapple to speed up the ripening process.

At this stage, you should not store pineapple in the refrigerator, since low temperatures stop the ripening process of the fruit, which is why you will not achieve the desired result. However, it can deteriorate at this time.

Most often, if all recommendations are followed, 3-4 days are enough for the fruit to ripen. Check it daily for ripeness - once its leaves begin to come off easily, it is ready to eat.

How to properly freeze pineapple in the freezer

Once upon a time in Soviet times, bags of frozen pineapple were found in stores. Therefore, it is possible to harvest exotic fruit in this way. There are several simple methods. In addition to the main product, you will need a good freezer with a temperature of at least -15 degrees.

You can freeze fresh or canned pineapple into pieces, rings, make juice, puree. Shelf life: no more than 12 months. Defrost in the refrigerator.

Pieces

The pineapple must first be washed and then peeled. Next, remove the core. It is not used for food. You can cut it with a knife or use a special device.

How to freeze pineapple in the freezer, instructions:

Cut pieces of the required size and shape.
Cover the board with cling film. Arrange the fruit slices.
We put it in the camera. It needs to be frozen until solid. Leave for 7-8 hours.
Next, pour the frozen product into a bag or container and return it to the chamber.

It is not necessary to make small pieces. In this way it is easy to freeze slices, quarters, straws, and bars. The choice depends on the further use of the product.

You can put a bag on a flat plate, lay out fruit slices, and freeze. Then we simply turn the polyethylene inside out, removing it from the vessel. The workpiece will remain inside; you just need to tie the bag with a knot.

Fresh pineapple rings

It is not necessary to grind it. For some dishes and snacks, it is convenient to freeze rings. The kind they sell in syrup. First you will have to remove the core with a special cutting.

Preparation instructions:

Cleans the peel, removing all unnecessary parts.
Cut the rings. Thickness is approximately 0.5 cm. Can be made thicker.
Roll out a roll of cling film. We put the rings in a row. Fold it into a roll. This way they will not stick together.
Place it in a bag and tie it.
All that remains is to send it to the chamber and freeze it.

It is not necessary to fold it into a roll. You can freeze one or two rings per bag. It is advisable to squeeze out excess air from the packaging before tying.

Purified

You cannot send the entire fetus into the chamber. It is difficult to remove the peel after thawing. You will need to separate the core. We recommend freezing only cut fruit. In addition to preparing pieces, there are other options.

How to freeze:

puree. The pulp is crushed with a blender. Next, you need to put it in containers, ice trays, and freeze it in a freezer;
juice. Fresh pineapple juice is also easy to freeze; you just need to pour it into plastic bottles, small molds, and other containers;
fine cutting. Cubes of 0.5-1 cm are often used for baking and serve as filling. You can freeze it in any container. We recommend that you express the juice first.

Don't rush to throw away the peel. It makes an excellent compote with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and fat-burning properties.

Canned

Sometimes you can't use up the entire jar with chunks or rings in the syrup. Some are taken for a cocktail or salad, the rest is sent to the refrigerator. We do not recommend doing this. It's better to freeze immediately.

Freezing Canned Pineapple

Preparation instructions:

Place the pieces and rings into containers.
Fill with syrup so that the liquid covers the product.
All that's left to do is freeze it.

It's also easy to make delicious popsicles from canned pineapple. You just need to put the chopped product into molds, pour in syrup, stick in the sticks and freeze. In a few hours we will have a refreshing dessert.

Right choice

Before choosing a method for storing foreign fruit, you must first choose the right fruit. If you plan to eat it immediately, it must be ripe. Determining whether a pineapple is ripe is easy. You just need to press your finger on the skin. If it springs slightly, it means the ripeness is normal. If the dent does not disappear for a long time, or juice begins to come out of it, it means that the fruit is clearly overripe.

Most often, unripe pineapples are found on sale. This product is perishable, and it is transported from afar, so the fruits are most often picked green so that they ripen on the way, during sale, or already at the buyers’ home.

For long-term storage, a greenish-yellow fruit with uniformly sized scales, tapering towards the top, is ideal.

When choosing a ripe pineapple in a store, inspect it carefully. There should be no stains, dents or cracks on it. Another positive sign is juicy green leaves. If they have stains, if they are withered or even partially withered, you should not take one.

The smell of pineapple is felt at a distance of 10-20 cm, depending on the ripeness of the fruit. It is gentle and thin. If the aroma is too rich, this indicates fermentation that is already actively occurring inside.

Before making the final choice, you need to tap the surface with your palm, like a drum. A ringing sound indicates that the pulp inside has already dried, a squelching sound means that the pineapple is overripe and has begun to rot, and a dull sound means that this is exactly what is needed.

Rules for choosing pineapple

In order for the fruit to remain fresh until the New Year without any problems, when purchasing it you need to carefully inspect the product. Please pay attention to the following parameters:

Size. Choose a heavy, medium-sized pineapple. Low weight indicates the dryness of the fruit and the presence of voids inside it.
Appearance. Pineapple peel is bright and glossy. The color of the fruit is uniform, and its surface is without damage or traces of mold. The presence of veins with dark spots “indicates” the presence of putrefactive processes in the product. If the product is green, then most likely it is not yet ripe.

Interesting!
Fruits with large scales belong to dessert varieties and have a sweet, rich taste. Fruits with a sour taste are covered with small scales and are suitable for preparing various dishes.

Leaves. Must be fresh and green, slight withering of the edges is allowed. They separate effortlessly when the fruit is fully ripe. Yellowed foliage indicates that the fruit is overripe.
The elasticity of the peel. We give preference to fruits with elastic and springy skin. Excessive hardness indicates that the product is unripe, and softness indicates that it is overripe. We also avoid fruits with dry and wrinkled skin.
Smell. It should be subtle, light and sweet. If the aroma of the fruit is persistent, with notes of cloying, the product is already overripe and has begun to ferment.
Sound. The taste characteristics of a pineapple can be checked in the same way as a watermelon - by tapping on its peel. A dull sound when tapped indicates the juiciness and freshness of the product, we purchase it without a doubt.