Whether you’re in the supermarket or your backyard garden, selecting the perfect pineapple isn’t easy if you don't know what to look for. If you want a deliciously sweet and delectably juicy fruit, how do you choose? The experts at Dole/Tropical Fruits Distributors of Hawaii in Honolulu are leading growers of the product and share their pineapple-picking expertise.

3 Tips for Choosing a Perfect Pineapple

Visual Cues

Unlike bananas and many other fruits, the color of a pineapple’s exterior does not indicate its ripeness. These tropical fruits can range from golden yellow to a bright green and still be ready to eat. To determine whether a fruit is ripe, look at the color of its leaves and choose one with healthy, green foliage. Then consider the shape of the fruit — it should be well-rounded and have developed, flat eyes. Avoid pineapples that have wrinkled skin, mold, or cracks.

Scent

Once you’ve selected a fruit that looks delicious, give it a whiff. If it’s ripe, you will detect a sweet scent from the stem area or side. A pineapple will give off a fermented smell if it is too mature, so avoid fruits with an odor similar to alcohol or vinegar.

Touch

Give this tropical fruit a good squeeze to determine the state of its interior. The pineapple should feel firm but provide a slight give when you push down on it. Finally, gauge the pineapple’s weight compared to others of a similar size; a heavy fruit typically has more juice and a sweeter flavor.

Selecting a delicious pineapple is easy when you know the right criteria. Dole/Tropical Fruits Distributors of Hawaii offers fresh local products, including coffee and Hawaiian chocolate, of only the highest quality so you will enjoy excellent flavor every time. The unique nutrients in Oahu’s volcanic soil ensure you will never taste better fruit, and they will ship it anywhere in the United States. Call (808) 847-3234 to arrange a fruit basket or coffee delivery and visit their website for more information about the company.