picking a pineapple

This is the information I got from the Dole Plantation.  It was a free demonstration, so I don't think I'm violating any copyright laws. :-)

1.  Look at the pineapple.  Don't worry too much about the color.  Golden or green, they are both delicious.  The girl said that the golden ones got more sun, they have a suntan.  What you do need to look for is uniformity on the size of the eyes.  (I think they are called eyes, you know what I mean)  If they are smaller on the top of the pineapple and larger on the bottom, then it is not full grown.  Don't choose that one.

2.  Give it a good sniff.  If you are drooling, then don't pick it!!  Trust me on this one.  If it has a deliciously yummy strong smell, then it's overripe.  Like an overripe banana.  Yuck!  It'll be too sweet, probably fermenting on the inside.  The pineapple should have a nice light fruity smell.  Light.

3.  Feel it up.  All over.  If it has squishy spot(s) then it's going bad.  Don't pick it.

Fresh pineapple is ono (hawaiian word for delicious).  Once you have fresh, you'll never eat canned again.  Once you have local fresh, then you'll just be sad, because you know what you've been missing and will have to save up hundreds of dollars to fly back here (or somewhere else tropical) to eat more!

I'm working on growing pineapples.  I've got two planted.  I'll post instructions and photos soon.  I hope my red pineapple photo didn't ruin the delightful surprise I had when I first saw how pineapples grew.  Who knew??

snail count today: 3

gas on post: $2.66, gas in town: $2.79

current temp on my lanai, in the shade, at noon: 84 degrees.

I'm 4 weeks post op today.  Today I walked to the beach and splashed in the water.  It's been at least a good 6 weeks since I've done that.  :-)  Ahhhh.