Smell the base of the pineapple; it should smell sweet and fragrant
Check the color; it should be golden-yellow around the eyes (more yellow than green)
Gently press the pineapple; it should yield slightly but not feel soft or mushy
Look at the leaves; the crown should feel firmly attached and the leaves should look healthy
Inspect the eyes; they should be plump and not dried out or sunken
Avoid pineapples that are overly heavy for their size with soft spots or leaking juice
Avoid pineapples with a strong fermented or sour smell
Prefer an even color change from green to yellow rather than mostly green with little yellowing