Have you ever bitten into a succulent, juicy piece of pineapple and discovered that it has a fizzy taste and texture? A lot of people experience this, but it’s a bit disconcerting, and might leave you wondering whether you should throw the rest of the pineapple away, or if you can still eat it. Is fizzy pineapple safe?
When pineapple goes fizzy, it is starting to ferment. You will read conflicting opinions on whether that means you need to throw it away or not. Some people claim it is safe to eat as long as it still tastes okay – but the fizziness does indicate that bacteria has started to penetrate the fruit and it is beginning to deteriorate. Composting it is the safer option.
In this article, we’ll check whether fizzy pineapple is okay to eat, or if it needs to be thrown away. We’ll also briefly cover the risks associated with eating fruit that has turned fizzy, and look at how to store your pineapple to reduce the chances of this happening.
Should A Pineapple Taste Fizzy?
Pineapples should not have a fizzy taste and texture. When the fruits are fresh, they should be sweet, sharp, and juicy, but they should not create any sort of fizzing sensation. Some people do find that pineapple makes their lips tingle, but this is a different thing and relates to the digestive enzymes within the fruit.
If your pineapple tastes fizzy, this is a sign that it has started to ferment, and the sugars inside the fruit are being turned into alcohol by bacteria. That might sound exciting, but it could be a problem, because you don’t know what kinds of bacteria have got into the fruit. Some kinds of bacteria are harmless, while others are dangerous.
To determine whether the pineapple is likely to be okay to eat, you should look at the following:
- Is the flesh still reasonably firm?
- Is the pineapple still juicy, or does it have a dried-out texture?
- Are any spots of mold forming on the surface of the fruit?
- Does it smell strong or alcoholic?
- How much has the texture changed?
- Is the fruit slimy or sticky (beyond the normal sugary stickiness)?
Looking at all of these factors will make it easier to tell whether the pineapple is safe to eat, but you will also have to decide for yourself how comfortable you feel with eating something that has started to ferment. Some people are fine with this, while others would much rather throw the pineapple away.
What If The Pineapple Smells Of Vinegar?
If your pineapple smells of vinegar, it’s generally best to compost the fruit. This sharp, acidic aroma indicates that the sugars have been used up and the pineapple is no longer good to eat. Even if it is still edible, it may have an unpleasant taste, and is therefore best avoided.
Don’t eat a pineapple that has turned vinegary, or one that tastes extremely alcoholic. Both of these will contain high levels of bacteria that could make you sick.
How Likely Are You To Get Sick From Eating A Fizzy Pineapple?
Overall, the chances of a fizzy pineapple making you ill are fairly low. Most people can safely eat these fruits when they have started to ferment a little. However, you should be aware that this is a risk. If you have a sensitive digestive system or other issues that might increase the risk factor for you, it’s better not to eat the pineapple.
How Do You Store Pineapples?
Pineapples should be stored at room temperature until they are cut open. Once ripe, a pineapple will usually last for about 3 days at room temperature, and then it will start to degrade. This is when they are likely to develop a fizzy texture, so aim to use the pineapple up quickly.
Once you have cut a pineapple open, it needs to be kept in the fridge, or mold will quickly start growing on the exposed flesh. Put the pieces of pineapple into a plastic container and put the lid on, and then place them in the fridge.
It should keep for up to a week in the fridge, provided it was reasonably fresh when it was placed there. You can also freeze chunks of pineapple and use them in smoothies or drinks at a later date. However, if the pineapple is already starting to turn fizzy, it’s better not to freeze it, as freezing will not kill the bacteria.
Conclusion
Many people do eat fizzy pineapple without suffering from any ill effects, but you should be aware that it could make you ill. Make sure there are no spots of mold and that the flesh is still firm and juicy. If the pineapple smells or tastes bad, throw it away, rather than risk consuming it.
