Pineapple
Christopher Columbus first tasted this sweet, juicy tropical fruit in Guadeloupe in 1493. This deliciously sweet fruit, which is a rich source of vitamin C, is still enjoyed today. Did you know that each round scale on a pineapple is actually a small fruit that fused with all the others as it grew?
Nutrition
Pineapple
Make the most of your fruit! Learn how to select, prep, and store your farm-fresh produce.
How do you pick a ripe pineapple?
Dole pineapples are always harvested ripe. They don't continue to ripen after picking because they have already reached their full sweetness. However, they may still have a green skin. Choose pineapples that look fresh, have green leaves and are slightly soft to the touch. This is the best way to pick the perfect pineapple! Tip: Pineapples ripen from the bottom up. Therefore, the sugar content is higher on the ground than directly below the crown. Taste different parts of the flesh. You will taste the difference.
How do you prepare pineapples?
Pineapple goes well with sweet-and-sour dishes and meats such as pork and poultry. To cut: Twist off crown. Cut pineapple in half and then into quarters. Trim off ends and remove core from center of quarter. Using a thin paring knife remove shell from fruit. Cut into bite-size pieces. For pineapple "boats" leave on the crown and both ends on the pineapple. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise. Use a thin paring knife to cut the fruit out of the boats. The boats can be filled with fruit salad, sorbet, or even a chicken stir-fry.
How do you store pineapples?
Pineapples do not ripen after harvest. Dole pineapples are picked ripe and transported in refrigerated containers that keep the fruit at a constant temperature of 7.5°C. You can keep Dole pineapples in the fridge for 2 - 4 days; only a couple of days if already sliced.