How Long Does Fresh Pineapple Last In The Freezer?
Pineapple is a juicy, tangy tropical fruit that goes great in many dishes, like smoothies, tropical desserts, and even on the grill. If you have ever bought fresh pineapple, though, you know they don't last long and you have to use them fairly quickly if you want to eat them while they are ripe, but not rotten. According to MasterClass, an uncut, ripe pineapple will stay good for about three days on the counter.
But what happens if you aren't planning on using the fresh fruit right away, or if your plans change and you need to store it for future use? You can store pineapple in the refrigerator. MasterClass says uncut pineapple can last an extra three days in the fridge, and cut pineapple that has been properly stored will keep for around a week. But how do you cut and store pineapple, and how long will it last if you freeze it?
Cutting and storing pineapple
First, you need to know how to cut and store pineapple if you want it to last as long as possible. According to Hawaiian Crown, you must peel and cut the pineapple before you freeze it. Per this video from Clean & Delicious, you cut a pineapple by removing the top and bottom with a sharp knife. Then, you slice along the core, halving the pineapple. Then, you can cut the fruit away from the skin in the size and shape you want.
After you have cut the pineapple into chunks or spears (or whatever else you have in mind), MasterClass says you should place your pineapple pieces on a baking sheet with parchment paper, then freeze them. It should take around two hours for the pineapple pieces to freeze, then you can place them in an airtight food container, like a freezer bag, and put them back in the freezer. You should also label the container with the date you froze the fruit so that you can make sure it doesn't expire before you eat it.
Keeping pineapple fresh
According to HGTV, pineapple in the freezer can last six to 12 months before it goes bad. Does It Go Bad says that when you want to thaw the pineapple, you should place it in the fridge and let the fruit thaw slowly. This will help it retain its texture. Thawing it too quickly can make it turn mushy.
If you are using canned pineapple, you have a lot more time to use it before it will go bad. According to StillTasty, an unopened can of pineapple is usually good for 18 to 24 months. If you are coming up on its expiration date, though, and have no plans to use it before that date, you can freeze canned pineapple. It will stay good as long as the fresh pineapple is in the freezer, according to Still Tasty, as long as you remove it from the can and pour the contents, juice, and pineapple chunks, into an airtight container.