Do pineapples go bad?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Do pineapples go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not pineapple goes bad. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of pineapple in different mediums, ways to spot bad pineapple, and the proper way to store pineapple.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
Do pineapples go bad?
Yes, pineapples go bad depending on the storage method that is used. The table below elucidates the shelf life of pineapples in different conditions.
| Storage condition | Pantry | Refrigerator | Canned |
| Shelf life | 1 – 2 days | 4 – 5 days | Months past expiry date |
Does canned pineapple go bad?
Although canned pineapple includes preservatives, it does go bad after a certain period of time. An unopened can of pineapples will last for 1.5 to 2 years and may even remain safe for consumption after this time. However, the quality or flavor may degrade after this time. It is also important to note that the can should not be dented or bulged when you purchase them.
How long does pineapple last?
Pineapple has a short shelf life owing to its high water content.
Whole pineapple
The whole pineapple lasts for about 1-2 days if it is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
On the other hand, when the whole pineapple is stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, its shelf life increases a bit owing to the cold temperature of the fridge and such pineapple lasts for about 4-5 days in the fridge.
Cut pineapple
If you have cut the pineapple in the form of chunks or slices, its shelf life decreases owing to the small size of pineapple chunks that have a large surface area which means that it provides more room for the bacteria to grow.
Thus cut pineapple lasts for about 3-5 days if it is properly stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
Canned pineapple
Unopened canned pineapple lasts for about 3-6 months or even more if it is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat. Once you have opened the canned pineapple it is recommended to store it in the fridge.
It is worth mentioning that these figures are just the estimated shelf life of pineapple and pineapple can even last for more than this, provided that they were stored properly.
You can read about the nutritional profile and health benefits of pineapple here.
Can I freeze pineapple?
Yes, you can freeze pineapple easily and freezing will prolong the shelf life of pineapple owing to the cold temperature that will halt any bacterial or microbial growth on them. Thus, you can store your pineapple by cutting it in the form of chunks or slices and putting it in a plastic freezer bag in the freezer and they will have their freshness and flavor preserved for a long time there. Pineapple lasts for about 3-5 months when stored properly in the fridge.
How to tell if pineapple has gone bad?
There are a couple of indicators that point out that your pineapple has gone bad. You should consider the appearance, texture, and smell of pineapple to give a final verdict about whether or not your pineapple has gone bad.
Appearance
If you spot a mold or some organic growth on your pineapple, then the best thing you can do in this scenario is to get rid of pineapple. If the mold is only on a small portion of the pineapple then what you can do is to cut an inch of the area surrounding the moldy part and discard it but if the mold is on a large area then you have to discard the whole pineapple.
If you consume a pineapple with mold, it can cause many foodborne illnesses including food poisoning that is characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes even fever.
Moreover, if you spot some brown discoloration in the pineapple then it is recommended to get rid of that wedge or part of the pineapple. So don’t eat brown discolored pineapple.
Smell
If you smell something strongly sour or acidic while taking a sniff test of the pineapple then it is an indication of bad pineapple.
Texture
If you see some mushy or soft spots on your pineapple then it is recommended to cut out those parts and discard them.
Moreover, if your pineapple starts to dry out either you can consume it immediately or you have to discard it afterward.
Other FAQs about Pineapples which you may be interested in.
Will a pineapple ripen after being picked?
How long is pineapple good for in the fridge?
Why does pineapple burn your tongue?
How to properly store pineapple?
- You can store your whole pineapple in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
- To prolong the shelf life of pineapple it can be stored in a plastic zipper bag in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The cut slices or chunks of pineapple have to be stored in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag in the fridge.
- Unopened canned pineapple can be stored in the cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry but once opened, you should store the leftovers in the fridge.
- If you want to preserve the freshness of pineapple for quite a long time then you can freeze them in a plastic freezer bag.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Do pineapples go bad” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not pineapple goes bad. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of pineapple in different mediums, ways to spot bad pineapple, and the proper way to store pineapple.
Citations
How Long Do Pineapples Last and How To Tell If They’re Bad?
