Pineapple is a delicious fruit, and you can taste it fresh, cooked into savory dishes, and baked into fruity desserts. But it has short shell life, and if you do not store them properly, the shelf life can be shortened.
Generally, pineapple fruit stays fresh with yellow flesh under room temperature for only 1 to 2 days. After these days, the pineapple starts to turn brown and spoil over time. But if you refrigerate the pineapple fruit, you can keep them freshly and brightly for 3 to 5 days.
However, if you do not plan to eat pineapple the day you bring it home, you can preserve them. So, refrigerate the whole fruit immediately. Because the refrigerator’s cold temperature helps slow down the enzymes that cause to brown the pineapple.
WHY DOES PINEAPPLE TURN BROWN AFTER CUT
Simply the reason is oxidation. When you cut the pineapple, the fruit chunks will oxidize. Then pineapple starts to brown. Therefore, it is better to store your cutting pineapples properly because it will help to keep them some more days.
METHODS: HOW TO PREVENT AND PRESERVE THE PINEAPPLE
If you do not eat the pineapple fruit on the day you bring it home, it is better to cut it before refrigerating. It will be more accessible because it is easy to eat before pineapple becomes off-color.
However, you can keep the cuts of pineapples wrapped in plastic with yellow and brightly for 3 days to 5 days.
So, firstly, it is better to skin the pineapple fruit and cut it into bite-size wedges or wedges. However, keep in mind that the large wedges expose the cut pineapple into the air, but chunks are not like this. As a result of this, large wedges reduce the amount of oxidation and browning.
However, you can use acidic substances to preserve the pineapples. Here, some acidic substance inhibits some oxidation or browning in cut pineapples by killing enzymes that react with oxygen. So, it will mainly block pineapple fruit flesh browning.
So, you can add the powder or liquid into the cut pineapple and stir thoroughly. Here you should make sure all surfaces are covered. So, let’s see the options.
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice is the famous method to preserve your pineapple by browning. Also, it is easy to find from your kitchen. Also, this multipurpose acidic liquid will prevent some browning while adding a bit of citrus flavor to the cut pineapples.
Here you can use a pastry brush to coat the lemon juice. If not, it is easy to dip the cut pineapples in the juice or squeeze the juice over cut pineapples.
Consequently, ascorbic acid in the lemon juice will slow down the browning of pineapples when the cut pineapples are exposed to air. After finishing this, you can keep them refrigerator after storing the slices in an airtight plastic container.
Vinegar
For instance, you can dip cut pineapples into vinegar or coat it by using a pastry brush. Further, you can spray over the cut pineapple.
Anyhow, make sure that all surface of the slices is covered well with vinegar. Then store the pineapples properly by using an airtight plastic container properly. However, when you are ready to eat cut pineapples, do not forget to rinse them off.
Ascorbic acid powder
Topically, this formula offers the most direct exposure to the extremely high concentration of vitamin C. The low pH level of this acidic causes to prevent microbial growth, slowing the oxidation.
As a result of these, it prevents spoilage and preserves the freshness of the pineapples. This powder is sold either as vitamin C or as an ascorbic acid powder on the market.
Here you can mix 1 teaspoon of pure powdered ascorbic acid in 2 cups of water and then dip or place the fruit in the solution for about 3 to 5 minutes.
If not, simply you can sprinkle it onto your pineapples. But you should follow the instructions mentioned by the manufacturer on the label.
In addition to these methods, you can preserve pineapples by freezing without browning. So, here I mentioned how to freeze the pineapple with simple steps.
Freezing helps to away browning from your pineapples. In addition to that, there is an added advantage. You can keep your pineapple for 10 to 12 months by freezing without any issue. So, keep reading.
Step 1: Cut the pineapple fruit.
Of course, you can cut it in any shape that you like. Feel free to freeze your pineapple in strips or rings. However, according to my findings, smaller pieces are better.
Step 2: So, now you can start the freezing process.
But this process will not all be about just throwing the cut pineapples into a bag and throwing this bag into the refrigerator. Because if you do like this, you have to end up in a clump city.
So, under this step, you have to lay the diced pineapple on a baking sheet or paper in a single layer. Here, make sure you spread the cut pineapples apart as much as possible and set this sheet in the freezer for about an hour.
This will start freezing, and it prevents the pieces stick together.
Step 3: in this step, you can transfer the pineapple pieces to a zip-top bag or any other freezer-safe container.
However, to do this task, you can use a spatula.
Step 4: Then, you should squeeze out all the air in the bag or container
Because low air will lead to better quality and taste. Also, it is better to write the date in your bag using a marker pen. Then you can eat it in a particular period without any issue.
Step 5: Set the bag safely back in the freezer
Until the times come when you are ready to enjoy it, you can store it at cold temperature.
