How long can pineapple sit out?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long can pineapple sit out” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of pineapple at room temperature. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of pineapple in the fridge and freezer along with different ways to spot bad pineapple.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can pineapple sit out?
The whole pineapple lasts for about 2-3 days if it is stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
Moreover, 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.
On the other hand, cut pineapple lasts for about 2 hours when left out at room temperature.
You should discard the cut pineapple that has been left in open for more than 2 hours as bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore there are greater chances of the pineapple being already contaminated with bacteria when left out for more than 2 hours.
Moreover, if the temperature of the surroundings is about 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then the process of spoilage takes place at a faster pace and it is recommended to discard pineapple slices that are left out in the open for more than an hour at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long can pineapple stay good in the fridge?
Whole fresh pineapple lasts for about 4-5 days when stored in the vegetable drawer of the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the other hand, 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.
How long can pineapple stay good in the freezer?
Pineapple lasts for about 3-5 months when stored properly in the freezer in plastic freezer bags.
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.
Thus, keeping the pineapple in the freezer will increase its shelf life considerably due to the freezer’s cool temperature that halts the bacterial growth on the pineapple.
It is worth mentioning that the figures mentioned above are the estimated shelf life of the pineapple.
You can read how to make pineapple tarts here.
Other FAQs about Pineapples which you may be interested in.
Can you eat pineapple with mold on the outside?
How can I tell if a pineapple is ripe?
Different ways to spot bad pineapple
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 the 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.
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.
Tips 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 but to prolong the shelf life of pineapple it is recommended to store it 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.
- If you want to preserve the freshness of pineapple for quite a long time then you can freeze them in a plastic freezer bag.
- 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.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long can pineapple sit out” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of pineapple at room temperature. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of pineapple in the fridge and freezer along with different ways to spot bad pineapple.
