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Pineapple

Also Known As : Ananas
Technical Name : Ananas comosus
MySmartKitchenTM 2

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

Pineapple has a sweet and tart taste with a mild sweet smell.

Usage Tips

  1. Pineapple tastes great when eaten raw, as juice and in smoothies.
  2. Crushed or pureed pineapple can be added to cookies, cupcakes, ice creams, yogurt.
  3. Pineapple is also added to rice preparations, meat preparations and to salads.
  4. Pineapple upside-down cake and a cocktail, pinacolada are two popular dishes of pineapple enjoyed all over the world.
  5. It is best to store pineapple at room temperature and consume within 2 days. It can be refrigerated in mesh bags to extend the shelf-life. Cut pineapple can be refrigerated for a few days or frozen to a period of six months in an airtight container.

Common names and forms

  1. Diced Pineapple
  2. Pineapple Chunks
  3. Pineapple Fibres
  4. Pineapple Fruit
  5. Pineapple Pieces
  6. PIneapple rings
  7. Pineapple Slices
  8. Real Pineapple

Description

Pineapple is a very popular tropical fruit. It has the shape of a pinecone. Their exterior is covered in small, spikes and on the top it has narrow, green, pointed leaves. The rind is waxy, hexagonal in shape and ranges in color from green to yellow and sometimes reddish-orange. The flesh of the pineapple is firm, fibrous yet juicy with shades of white or yellow. The flesh also has a core which is tough and leathery. Pineapple comes in many varieties like: Smooth Cayenne, Red Spanish, Queen, and Abacaxi. It is native to South America and was introduced to Central America. In the course of time, they were brought to the Caribbean islands by Christopher Columbus while Captain Cook got it to Hawaii. Today the top producers of pineapple include Costa Rica, Brazil, and the Philippines. It is available all through the year with its peak season in spring and summer.

Health benefits

  • Pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain, that breaks down proteins thus aiding in digestion. This is very beneficial in people with pancreatic insufficiency.(1)
  • It is rich in vitamins and minerals along with bromelain that suppresses inflammation and boosts immunity.(1) 
  • The bromelain present in pineapple lowers inflammation and reduces swelling and pain that occurs after surgery thus helping in recovery.(1)

Selection Guide

When choosing pineapples, look for fresh, upright leaves that are green. The fruit should be plump and feel heavy. It should not have signs of mold or any soft spots.

Note

Eating unripe pineapple and overconsumption of pineapple may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, swelling of mouth and cheeks and skin rashes.(2)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-pineapple#section9

(2) https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/pineapples.html

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”