How to store pineapple on the counter, in the fridge, and frozen
Quick answer
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Room temperature
Keeps for 1-2 days once ripe
Leave a pineapple at room temperature until it's ripe, then eat it within 1 to 2 days.
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Fridge
Keeps for 5-7 days
Refrigerate ripe pineapple at 40°F (4°C) or below, where it keeps 5 to 7 days.
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Freezer
Keeps for 10-12 months
Freeze pineapple you won't eat within 5 to 7 days, and it keeps for 10 to 12 months.
Yes, you can freeze pineapple, and it keeps 10 to 12 months in the freezer. Leave a pineapple at room temperature until it's ripe, then eat it within 1 to 2 days or refrigerate it for 5 to 7 days. Throw away pineapple that looks rotten.
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Yes, you can freeze pineapple, and it keeps 10 to 12 months in the freezer. A ripe pineapple lasts 5 to 7 days in the fridge or 1 to 2 days at room temperature, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Ripe means the fruit is tender, fully developed, and ready to eat. Until it gets there, a pineapple can stay at room temperature.
Can you freeze pineapple?
Yes, pineapple keeps 10 to 12 months in the freezer, according to USDA FoodKeeper. That’s far longer than the 5 to 7 days it lasts in the fridge, so freeze any you won’t eat in that time.
How to store pineapple
Keep a pineapple at room temperature until it’s ripe, then eat it within 1 to 2 days or refrigerate it. In a clean fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, ripe pineapple keeps 5 to 7 days.
How to store cut pineapple
Cover cut pineapple with plastic wrap to keep it moist and away from mold spores in the air, the USDA advises. Refrigerate any pineapple you buy pre-cut or packaged.
At the store, pick pre-cut pineapple only if it’s refrigerated or surrounded by ice. The FDA gives that advice for all pre-cut, bagged, or packaged produce.
Should you wash a pineapple?
Yes, wash a pineapple under running water before you cut it, even though you won’t eat the skin. That keeps dirt and bacteria on the surface from being carried along as you cut.
Skip soap and produce wash, because produce is porous and can absorb them, the FDA explains. Dry the pineapple with a clean cloth or paper towel afterward to reduce bacteria further.
How long does pineapple last?
A ripe pineapple lasts 1 to 2 days at room temperature and 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Frozen, it keeps 10 to 12 months. Before it’s ripe, it can stay at room temperature until it ripens.
| Where | How long |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | Until ripe, then 1 to 2 days |
| Fridge | 5 to 7 days, for ripe fruit |
| Freezer | 10 to 12 months |
How long does pineapple last in the fridge?
Ripe pineapple lasts 5 to 7 days in the fridge, according to USDA FoodKeeper. That time applies to ripe fruit, so let the pineapple ripen at room temperature first.
How to tell if pineapple is bad
Pineapple that looks rotten is bad, so throw it away, the FDA advises. If it only has a few bruised or damaged spots, cut those away before you eat the rest.
Frequently asked questions
How long does pineapple last on the counter?
A pineapple can stay at room temperature until it's ripe, then 1 to 2 days, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Ripe means tender, fully developed, and ready to eat.
Should you refrigerate a pineapple before it's ripe?
Leave it at room temperature until it's ripe. The USDA FoodKeeper time of 5 to 7 days in the fridge applies to ripe fruit.
Does pineapple go bad?
Yes, a ripe pineapple lasts 1 to 2 days at room temperature and 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Throw it away if it looks rotten.
How long is frozen pineapple good for?
Frozen pineapple keeps 10 to 12 months, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
What should you look for when buying pineapple?
Choose a pineapple that isn't bruised or damaged. Buy pre-cut pineapple only if it's refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
