• Should feel heavy and be firm to the touch,
• the skin should be unblemished and free of bruises;
• the leaves should be a bright shiny green, not wrinkled or dark;
• if the eyes turn black, it is a sign that the pineapple is overripe

Signs of Ripeness 

• tapping the pineapple should produce a dull thump;
• its bottom should yield to gentle pressure;
• it should give off a noticeable scent that increases during the two weeks it approaches complete ripeness;
• the leaves should pull out easily from the top.

Pineapple can kept at room temperature for several days to ripen; once ripe it should be consumed quickly since it has a tendency to ferment

Pineapple Boat
Cut the pineapple in half and dice the flesh. Combine the pineapple with cubes of cooked chicken, a few thinly sliced celery stalks (from the heart) and some chives. Dressing: mayonnaise thinned with a little pineapple juice.

How to cut a pineapple?

Pros and Cons 

• tenderizes meat
• prevents gelatin from setting
• will curdle milk, though combines well with cream and yogurt
• pineapple chunks must be added to salad only at the last minute since they will wilt greens quickly