How do you know if a fresh pineapple is ripe? They all look the same to me!
When I lived in Hawaii, I was told that you pull out one of the “leaves” (for lack of a better word; what are those things on top of a pineapple called anyway?). It should come off with a gentle tug and not require great effort. Conversely, I suppose if it simply falls out, you can take that as a sign the pineapple is rotting.
Kramer
The same way you check any fruit: pick it up an smell it. It should have a faint aroma of pineapple. No scent, and it’s not quite ripe; too much scent, and it’s probably overripe.
Some people check by pulling a leaf from the top; supposedly, a ripe pineapple has the leaf come off easily. This is an old wives’ tale and has nothing to do with ripeness.