Wishing for warmer weather? Add some tropical vibes to your meal with pineapple!

It is no surprise that pineapples with their sweet and tangy flavor are one of the most popular tropical fruits in the United States. Pineapples have a yellow body and bright green leaves at the top. This sweet fruit is loaded with Vitamin C and a great source of manganese, which keeps our immune systems running smoothly and supports healthy bones.

Pineapple is available year round, but there are a few things to note when picking which one to take home. When purchasing fresh pineapple, look for one that feels firm and heavy for its size. The leaves should be bright green and the body should be free from bruises or soft spots. Want to know if your green pineapple will be ripe within a few days? The base of the pineapple starts out a green color and changes to yellow as it ripens. Pineapples with a yellow color at the bottom should be ready to enjoy soon! Another tip for picking the best pineapple is to use your nose! Pineapple should have a delicate sweet flavor. Put the pineapple back if you notice a sour, fermented smell.

A whole pineapple can be kept in a plastic bag to preserve moisture and stored in the refrigerator for three to five days. Once you cut into your pineapple, it will last about a week in an airtight container in the fridge. Pre-cut pineapple usually costs more than whole pineapple, but could be an option if cutting pineapples is a challenge. Don’t forget that canned pineapple in 100% fruit juice is also an affordable, nutritious, and versatile option.

Enjoy pineapple fresh, cooked with vegetables for a touch of sweetness, added to desserts, or made into a marinade with pineapple chunks or juice to tenderize tough cuts of meat. Discard pineapple chunks or juice after the meat is finished marinating.

When you need that touch of sweetness and tropical fun, pineapple can be eaten with every meal. Add pineapple to a smoothie, salad, stir fry or dessert. The next time you find yourself in the produce section, canned aisle, or farmers’ market, look for a sweet and tangy pineapple and be transported to fruit fun!