Sliced Is Best

• If you can't use a whole pineapple right away but it's fully ripe, cutting it from its rind and slicing it is the best storage option. If the shell loses most of its green or becomes fully yellow, the fruit is at peak ripeness and requires use or storage immediately before it begins to decline. Although you can refrigerate it whole, the pineapple may overripen and the fruit may turn brown.

Short-Term Storage

• Pineapple has the best flavor when it's used immediately after slicing, but with proper packaging it can last up to four days in a 33- to 40-degree Fahrenheit refrigerator. A properly ripened pineapple yields firm but juicy slices. During storage, these slices may lose some of their firm texture as they release more of their juices, but the flavor usually stays good as long as you use the pineapple within a few days.

Long-Term Storage

• Freezing provides the best option if you must store pineapple slices for a longer period. You can keep the slices for up to a year with minimal flavor or quality loss in a 0 F freezer. Select the freezing method that best fits the eventual use of the slices. If you want to remove individual slices as you need them, freeze pineapple slices in a single layer on a wax-lined tray; once frozen, combine the slices into one package. If you plan to thaw the entire store of slices at once, you can package them together before freezing.

Wrapping It Up

• Proper packaging is vital whether you store sliced pineapple in the fridge or in the freezer. Air exposure can result in increase spoilage risk or discoloration. In the freezer, air causes freezer burn. Package the slices in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Alternatively, place the slices in a sturdy zip-close storage bag and press out most of the air before sealing. Date and label the contents, especially for freezer storage. You can store both fresh sliced pineapple and leftover canned slices using the same methods.