Pineapples from Brazil: a delight for your everyday
life.
How to choose o Pineapple
When choosing fruit, take
into account whether or not it is to be consumed immediately.
Only buy pineapples
with
a crown; this should only be removed immediately
prior to consumption
.
To choose a Pérola pineapple from Brazil,
do not only consider its color, which varies
a lot,
depending on how ripe it is. The best thing is to check whether
the leafs of its crown can be released easily
(this is an indication
that the pineapple is just ripe). Another
way to check is to press it with your fingers; if it is
very hard,
it is still unripe. When it is overripe,
the rind has dark
stains and soft parts near its base.
The fruit should be promptly eaten. We recommend
that it be served chilled merely to maintain
its characteristic
freshness.
When choosing the fruit, in
addition to ripeness, the following should be checked:
uniformity
and shape, absence of
rotten parts, sunburn, abnormal stains, damaged parts, cracks,
leaks and insect attacks; the leafs of
the crown should be green and erect.
For their own protection, consumers
should buy products that are duly labeled
with brands and indications,
regardless of the quality, at retail stores that allow the identification
of the product and its origin, as well
as of its exporters and importers.
Labels are a privileged means
of communicating the properties of the product to
the consumer.
Only choose fruit with good appearance
and a characteristic aroma. If
the fruit is pre-packaged,
read the instructions
carefully and the sell-by date.
How to Handle Pineapples
Consumers should handle pineapples carefully,
because they are sensitive to being banged and
knocked; this can cause
the pulp to oxidize, damaging the quality
of the product.
Take the fruit home carefully
and do not place other purchases or objects on top of it.
Only buy as much as you need
and have it within a few days, in order to avoid
loss or deterioration.
Before consuming the fruit,
wash it in running water. If necessary, scrub
the surface with a suitable type
of sponge, of the kind that will not damage the skin. Do not use
detergents or bleaches.
Do not assume that prepackaged fruit
is ready to eat. Make sure that it
has been
properly washed first.
How to Store and Keep Pineapples
After the purchase, store the pineapple
in a cool and well-aired place, if it is to be consumed
within
a day or two. Otherwise,
it should be stored in a refrigerator,
at a temperature of 7 to 10 °C, together with
compatible fruit, such as oranges, acid limes,
guavas and melons.
If the pineapple is not fully
ripe, place it in an airy fruit bowl wrapped in paper and
away from direct sunlight until it has ripened completely.
Once sliced, store it in closed containers, keeping
them in the refrigerator.
