All About Pineapple
Your complete guide to pineapple - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Pineapple Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for pineapple in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Frozen (Cut)6-12 months (quality may degrade after 6 months, but still safe)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (dry, discolored patches, especially white/gray areas), off-smell after thawing. While freezer-burned pineapple is usually safe to eat, its quality (flavor and texture) will be significantly compromised.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for excessive freezer burn or unusual ice crystal formation. Smell test (after thawing): Thawed pineapple should still smell sweet and fruity. An off or sour smell indicates spoilage. Texture (after thawing): Will be softer than fresh, but shouldn't be mushy or slimy.
Storage Tips
Cut pineapple into chunks or slices. For best results, flash freeze the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to airtight freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible from bags to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date. Best used for smoothies, baking, or cooking rather than eating raw after thawing.
Whole in Refrigerator5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Noticeable dark spots, excessive softness or mushy areas, visible mold growth, strong fermented or sour odor.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Look for any visible mold or significant dark discoloration. Touch test: The skin should still be firm with a slight give. Mushy spots are a clear sign of spoilage. Smell test: A sweet aroma is good; a sour, alcoholic, or off-putting smell means it's bad.
Storage Tips
Store in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors and to maintain humidity, which can help prevent drying out.
Cut in Refrigerator3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or mushy texture, cloudy or milky juice, dull or faded color, visible mold, strong sour, alcoholic, or yeasty smell.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Observe the color; it should be vibrant yellow. Look for any mold, discoloration, or cloudy liquid. Touch test: Fresh cut pineapple is firm but juicy. If it feels slimy, overly soft, or mushy, it's spoiled. Smell test: A sweet, fresh aroma is normal. A sour, vinegary, or fermented smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out, absorption of other food odors, and to maintain freshness. Keep the pieces submerged in their own juice if possible for better preservation.
Whole at Room TemperatureUnripe: 3-5 days to ripen; Ripe: 1-2 days
Signs of Spoilage
Very soft spots or mushiness, dark brown/black patches on the skin, visible mold (white, fuzzy, green, black spots), strong fermented or alcoholic smell, sour liquid oozing from the base.
How to Check
Visual inspection: Check for any mold or significant discoloration. Touch test: Gently press the skin; it should yield slightly when ripe. If it's very soft or mushy, it's overripe or spoiled. Smell test: A ripe pineapple has a sweet, tropical aroma, especially at the base. A sour, vinegary, or strong alcoholic smell indicates spoilage.
Storage Tips
Store upright to allow air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight which can accelerate spoilage. Best for ripening, not long-term storage.