Now, get close and take a whiff. A sweet pineapple will smell fragrant and floral, especially at the base. If it smells like nothing, it’s probably bland. If it smells a little vinegary or like rotten fruit, put it down and walk away. Your nose is way smarter than you give it credit for—treat it like a fruit fortune teller. Pro tip: don’t be shy; shove your nose right into the bottom. People might stare, but your taste buds will thank you.
Color: A Tricky Clue
You might think a golden pineapple is always the sweetest, but color isn’t everything. A green pineapple can be perfectly ripe, especially if it’s a variety like the “Smooth Cayenne.” However, avoid pineapples with dark, soft spots or mushy eyes—that’s the fruit equivalent of a bad sunburn. Instead, look for one that’s uniformly golden-yellow from top to bottom, but don’t ignore a greenish one if it passes the smell and leaf test. It’s like judging a book by its cover—sometimes the best story has a boring cover.
How to Pick a Pineapple: Tips from a Fruit Expert (2026)
