Buying pineapple

Storing
Pineapple can kept at room temperature for several days to ripen; once ripe it should be consumed quickly since it has a tendency to ferment

Signs of Ripeness

• tapping the pineapple should produce a dull thump;
• its bottom should yield to gentle pressure;
• it should give off a noticeable scent that increases during the two weeks it approaches complete ripeness;
• the leaves should pull out easily from the top.

Pineapple in the Kitchen: Pros and Cons

• tenderizes meat
• prevents gelatin from setting
• will curdle milk, though combines well with cream and yogurt
• pineapple chunks must be added to salad only at the last minute since they will wilt greens quickly

Pineapple Boat
Cut the pineapple in half  and dice the flesh. Combine the pineapple with cubes of cooked chicken, a few thinly sliced celery stalks (from the heart) and some chives. Dressing: mayonnaise thinned with a little pineapple juice.