Select a pineapple that has a fresh appearance with deep green leaves, and is slightly soft to the touch. With certain varieties, the color of the shell is not an indication of how ripe a pineapple is. The exception to this rule is the Del Monte Golden Ripe Pineapple, which has a beautiful golden rind when ripe. This pineapple, the sweetest available and exclusive to the Del Monte brand, is easily distinguished by the tag attached to every  pineapple.

Pulling leaves out is NOT a way to tell if a pineapple is ripe. Some varieties, but not all, have a fragrant aroma.

Store whole pineapples at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator. You can store cut pineapples in your refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.