How Long Can You Store A Pineapple On The Counter?
No matter your views on pineapple on pizza, pineapple can be the perfect option when you are craving something tropical. Sure, you can enjoy it plain, but you can also use it in a fresh salsa, a Piña Colada cocktail, or even a cheesy casserole.
The versatile fruit is also nutritious. Per HealthLine, it is a great source of vitamin C and manganese, which means it is rich in antioxidants and may boost your immune system. Pineapples also contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps with digestion. In some countries like Brazil, you'll find pineapple served with meat for better digestion. Because it can break down these tough proteins, it also makes a good tenderizer. But in order to soak up those nutrients and enjoy that pineapple on your pizza or in your cocktail, you've got to pick a good one and store it properly.
To pick one, BBC goodfood says to look for one that is heavy for its size and has no bruises or brown leaves. It should also smell sweet and fragrant. And what about storage? Find out how long it can sit out on the counter before you need to use it.
Pineapple doesn't get sweeter with age
A pineapple can be stored on the counter at room temperature for about three days, according to Live Eat Learn. Unlike bananas, pineapples don't continue to ripen when sitting out on the counter. This means the taste deteriorates the longer it sits. Per LeafTV, they are harvested when they are ripe because they don't continue to ripen once they been cut from the plant. So it won't get any sweeter sitting on the counter, but it may get a little softer and juicer if the rind is still green.
If your pineapple has been sitting out for longer than three days, watch for signs that it has gone bad. It may have mold growing on it or soft spots or a fermented smell. The rind might also turn orange or brown and the leaves might wilt and fall out. So to ensure the quality of your pineapple, make sure to enjoy it within three days. Once it's cut, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and think twice about throwing out the core.