How Long Do Pineapples Last (And Why)?

How Long Do Pineapples Last (And Why)?

Exact Answer: 1 To 3 Days In Pantry And 4 To 5 Days In Fridge

Pineapples are a staple in the fruit world. They’re sweet and juicy but can be sour, depending on how ripe they are. The average pineapple will stay fresh for about two weeks after being cut from the tree. 

Look at the bottom of the pineapple for an expiration date. If there isn’t one, it should take 1 to 3 days in the pantry and 4 to 5 days if kept in the fridge. However, don’t worry too much because pineapples have been known to have a long shelf life.

How Long Do Pineapples Last

How Long Do Pineapples Last?

PineapplesDuration
Pineapples at room temperature1 to 3 days
Pineapples in refrigerator4 to 5 days

The duration in which pineapple lasts all depends on how one stores them. Store a pineapple in the fridge, and it will last for about 4-5 days before becoming overripe. If one wants to keep a fresh pineapple longer, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Keep chilled until ready to eat.

A pineapple can rot after a few days if it is not properly taken care of at the store. Eating ripe pineapples will reduce its time in the fridge while eating green pineapples will increase its stay in the fridge. On average, one should consume a refrigerated pineapple within 2-7 days from the purchase date.

Sometimes, pineapples, depending on how long they have been left at room temperature, will start to lose their shelf life as early as 12 hours.

Pineapples release a gas called ethylene gas as the protein naturally breaks down and causes it to ripen. Ethylene breaks down both DNA and RNA, so after 12 hours or so, those enzymes which break those molecules up for recycling start running rampant inside the fruit and degrade faster than would normally be expected.

Pineapple is mostly composed of water, and its flavor comes from alkaloid compounds produced by the plant, including some cyanides. Some people believe that this is what makes it taste so unique. Pineapples contain between 10-14% sugar and are closely related to apples in chemical structure, so they have a sweet taste mixed with some tartness. 

Why Would Pineapple Last So Long?

It depends on the freshness of the pineapple when it is bought and how well they are cared for. The distinctive taste of pineapples, like all fruits and vegetables, is the result of a complex combination of various organic acids and enzymes. 

Organic acids that contribute to the taste include citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and alpha-ketoglutaric acid. 

Pineapple is rich in antioxidants. The protective role of antioxidants largely lies in inhibiting oxidation, which damages cells by releasing harmful free radicals. 

References indicate that the flesh of pineapples contains concentrations of bromelain enzymes up to one hundred times more than that found in papaya fruits, giving it significant antioxidant properties that are healthy.

The pineapple’s natural acidity helps protect it from bacteria, according to agricultural experts. Pineapples are pickled or canned rather than eaten fresh because these processes make the fruit pH even lower and thus more acidic, removing its bitterness and making it safe for higher levels of shelf life for consumption.

Pineapple is perfect. One can use it as a tea coaster; some say the scent of crushed pineapple will stimulate ovulation, some people even eat it straight out of the can. 

If one finds mold on the pineapple, throw it away or cut off any mold or rot to avoid ingesting spores in the mouth, making a person very sick. 

The pineapples last for about 12 months when one stores them in the freezer properly. Make sure to keep it in air-tight heavy-duty freezer bags.

Conclusion

One can easily tell if the pineapples do go bad by their smell and look. If molds, odd flavor, or an odor develops in the fruit, it must be discarded quickly. The tell-tale sign of ripe and sweet fruit is nothing but the aroma of sweetness and waft of freshness. 

The largest pineapples are sure to have the most meat. Since there are health risks associated with spoiled food, it is important to properly store it to get the best quality for a long time. Make sure to keep the pineapples on the countertop if one plans to consume them in 2 days.

References

  1. https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aer.100.1.35 
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S026087741000107X 
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AboutNidhi

Hi! I'm Nidhi.

Here at the EHL, it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food.

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