How can you tell when to pick white pineapple?

[nanasohana]

I have a big one leaning over but does it change color or something?

[Andrew]

I would prop it up with some sticks or basket or something and let it stay connected as long as possible. Pick it too soon and you will lose the flavor. Smell it and when it smells really sweet it will be ready. Some expert will read what I just wrote and no doubt laugh but that's what I would do anyway.

Andrew

[Carey]

ANdrew, that is the same thing I was going to say! it will look less green, but never get as golden as the Maui Golds...
Hubby, the food-o-matic, always sniffs any pineapple, they should have a fresh pineapple smell. Too late & it will have a turned smell and brown blotches in the keys...(the little outlined thingies..) too early and little to no smell.

[hooligal]

I was told to grab the centermost leaf (at the top of the pineapple) & give it a gentle tug. If it comes right off, it's ready to chow down. I haven't used this technique to prove ripeness yet, but I can say that an unripe one sure won't let that center leaf go.

I also was told that yellow pineapple leaves are serrated near the tips while whites are not.

[missydog1]

not an expert, but I know (or have experienced) that pineapples are one fruit that doesn't continue to ripen after being picked. So premature picking can't be fixed by coddling the fruit, putting it in a paper bag, etc.. best to be certain it's ready.

[pslamont]

Oh, Nancy... aren't these the fun questions in life we have all waited for! Gotta love Puna Issues! LOL

Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!

[nanasohana]

Yep, Pam, pretty cool to ask when ones pineapple needs to be picked[]

[DickWilson]

Sure, Go ahead and rub it in, Some of us will just have to wait for good things. []

dick wilson

[Kapohocat]

I was just told that when the pineapple puts out one longer leaf out the top it is ready.

Urban legend?

[james weatherford]

hooligal has it:

quote:

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Originally posted by hooligal

I was told to grab the centermost leaf (at the top of the pineapple) & give it a gentle tug. If it comes right off, it's ready to chow down. .

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We've been using this for 5 straight years -- up to about 200 fruit set, have eaten the first two...yum, slurp, slurp...mmmmm
We trade for cane juice, tomatoes, lychee, etc




James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park