Pineapple is a refreshing fruit, perfect for beating the summer heat.
There are several factors that determine whether a pineapple is delicious or not.
Shorter, rounder pineapples tend to have more flesh than their longer counterparts.
When it comes to summer coolers, watermelons, oranges, and tangerines usually come to mind. But there’s one fruit that often gets overlooked—the pineapple, or “thơm” as it’s called in Central and Southern Vietnam.
Pineapples are packed with nutrients like organic acids, vitamin C, and B vitamins, as well as minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, and trace elements of iron, copper, protein, and lipids. This makes pineapple an ideal dessert to beat the heat, and it’s also commonly used in juice blends and detox smoothies to cleanse the body.
Pineapple is a great fruit to cool off with during the summer heat (Illustrative image)
While pineapple is a familiar fruit, not everyone knows how to pick one that’s sweet and ripe. Typically, when buying a pineapple, people will give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe pineapple will have a slight give to it, not too hard or too soft. The skin of the pineapple will also appear slightly wrinkled.
However, this method can be quite tricky, especially for those who don’t have much experience shopping for and selecting fruit. Squeezing and prodding the pineapple can also be uncomfortable and doesn’t always provide a clear indication of ripeness.
Even when squeezed, it’s hard to tell if a pineapple is truly ripe (Illustrative image)
So, it’s a good idea to also consider the following visual cues to determine if a pineapple is ripe, sweet, and ready to eat.
Signs of a Ripe and Sweet Pineapple
1. Pineapple Color
First, take a look at the color of the pineapple. Experienced homemakers suggest that color is the most important factor to consider when buying a pineapple.
A ripe pineapple will have a bright yellow color from the base to the crown, excluding the leaves. The more even and vibrant the yellow color is, the sweeter the pineapple will be. A few small green spots on the pineapple are also nothing to worry about—these are simply older pineapples that are guaranteed to be sweet.
Avoid pineapples with a lot of green, as they are unripe (Illustrative image)
You should avoid pineapples with a lot of green, as these are unripe and will take a long time to ripen. If the pineapple’s skin has mold, cracks, or is leaking liquid, it’s best to avoid it, as these are signs that the pineapple has gone bad and may be unsafe to eat.
2. Pineapple Shape
Not many people pay attention to the shape of a pineapple, but it can actually be a good indicator of its ripeness. Look for pineapples that are slightly rounder and shorter. These pineapples will have more flesh compared to longer ones.
Rounder, shorter pineapples tend to have more flesh (Illustrative image)
3. Pineapple Leaves
The leaves of a pineapple can also tell you if it’s ripe. When choosing a pineapple, try gently tugging on the leaves. If they come out easily, the pineapple is ripe and ready to eat. If the leaves are firmly attached and difficult to remove, the pineapple is still unripe.
4. Pineapple Eyes
Finally, take a look at the “eyes” of the pineapple—the small, spike-like structures covering the surface of the pineapple. Larger eyes with more space between them indicate a ripe pineapple with sweet, juicy flesh. The more eyes a pineapple has, the sweeter it will be.
Larger eyes with more space between them indicate a sweeter pineapple (Illustrative image)
Pineapple is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, juiced, or used in cooking. Here are some delicious and easy-to-make dishes that feature pineapple:
– Braised pork with pineapple
– Sweet and sour pork with pineapple
– Braised mackerel with pineapple
– Sweet and sour tofu with pineapple
– Sour soup with pineapple and tomato
– Stir-fried liver with pineapple
– Pineapple and chicken heart stir-fry
– Beef stir-fry with pineapple and celery
– Pineapple cakes and desserts
These dishes are not only tasty and simple to make, but they’re also great for beating the heat and providing essential nutrients for your daily meals.
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