To determine whether a pineapple is ripe, pull out one of the spines. If it comes out easily, the fruit is sufficiently ripe. The easiest way to prepare the fruit is to cut it in crosswise slices and pare each slice. Cut out the centers of the “eyes” and the tough core and cut the rest of the slice into dice. Place in a mixing bowl in layers, sprinkling each layer with sugar. Cover and let stand several hours, so juice can flow out and sugar dissolve. the fruit may be placedin the refrigerator if desired, but the flavor will be more pronounced if fruit is not served too cold.

To eat from fingers: A convenient way to serve fresh pineapple is to cut away or to pull out the spines and remove the cones of the flesh by cutting around the “eyes” with an apple corer or a sharp knife through to the center. The cones may then be taken in the fingers and dipped in sugar to eat. This eliminates the necessity for peeling.