Pineapple

Pineapple is a tropical fruit which can be easily found in the stores. They come in many different sizes. When ripe, it has sweet and juicy flesh. They are awesome when eating raw, juiced or cooked. I've seen them in cakes, sweet and sour dishes and fruit salads, just to name a few.

When eating raw though, make sure to dip them in salt water first before eating them, it will help you avoid those nasty "blisters" on your tongue. =)

Have you seen a small size pineapple called Zululand Queen pineapple? I saw them in Nino Salvaggio. They are about the size of a large grapefruit (check out the photo below). I've got to try one. 

Zululand Queen Pineapple

HOW TO PICK A FRESH PINEAPPLE

LOOK FOR THESE:

• A crown with fresh looking spiky leaves (Try pulling a leaf off the crown of the pineapple, if it can be easily pulled off the pineapple is ripe. Some say the method does not work. However, my mom and I have been using this method for a long time, and it hasn't failed us yet.)
• Fresh looking shell that feel firm
• Fresh looking fruitlets (the pineapple eyes) which look like a smiley face, best to be about the size of a quarter
• A light sweet scent coming off the pineapple when you smell it

Notice the color difference
between the bases of these two pineapple

• When ripe, the base of a pineapple turns yellow color from green (as seen in the photo above)

AVOID THESE:

• A crown with dry, yellow and wilting leaves
• Sad face looking fruitlets that are wet, soft or moldy
• A dull looking pineapple shell that have soft/moldy spots 

HOW TO STORE A FRESH PINEAPPLE

IN ROOM TEMPERATURE: Last about 2 days

IN THE FRIDGE: Last about a week