A large, whole fresh pineapple is one of the most rewarding things to bring home when you are feeding a crowd. Sweet, juicy, and tropical, a good pineapple at its peak is genuinely hard to improve on. The sweet variety is selected specifically for flavour, with a natural sugar content that sets it apart from a standard pineapple.Pineapples are at their best in the warmer months from November through March when tropical growing conditions drive the sweetness to its peak. That is when they are worth buying whole.Look for pineapples with a golden yellow base that has begun to colour up the sides, firm flesh when gently squeezed around the middle, and a strong sweet fragrance at the base. Avoid any that smell fermented or feel very soft. A leaf that pulls out easily from the crown is a traditional ripeness test.Slice and eat fresh, grill alongside pork or chicken, cube into a fruit salad, blend into a smoothie, or use in a tropical salsa.
