One of the easiest ways to check your pineapple is ready to eat is by pulling on one of the leaves. Choose one of the smaller ones closer to the top, from the center. The leaf should pull out easily with little resistance if the pineapple is ready for consumption.
Squeeze the body of the pineapple gently. If it is ripe, the outer shell should be firm but indent a little when you exert pressure onto it.
Ripe pineapples will have leaves that are a vibrant green color. The body of the pineapple should be a yellow and green color. They will smell sweet at the base. If your pineapple smells bitter then this is often an indication that it is overripe.