Pineapples are a vitamin-C packed fruit that tastes great in both savory and sweet dishes. Learn more about the pineapple in this article.
Pineapples...
- ...can help heal bruises.Those who bruise easily and are prone to bruising can also counteract this with pineapple.
- ...help you digest protein.Those who often get stomach problems after high-protein meals should consume pineapple more often, as it contains large amounts of bromelain. This enzyme helps break down protein, and makes it easier to digest.
- ...help reduce swelling.The bromelain in pineapple can reduce swelling in the nose and sinuses more quickly - e.g. after operations.
- ...soothe burns.An enzyme from pineapple is now used by doctors in gels used to help heal severe burns.
- ...protect against thrombosis.Bromelain in pineapple and bromelain can help reduce the risk of blood clots and thrombosis.
- ...shouldn't be taken with some medications.Anyone who regularly takes antidepressants with the active ingredient tranylcypromine should avoid pineapple and pineapple juice, as this interaction can lead to increased blood pressure or headaches among other side effects.
- ...can be too acidic for some.Thanks to the enzyme bromelain, raw pineapple prevents gelatine from solidifying and quickly gives dairy products such as quark or yogurt an unpleasantly bitter taste. However, pouring boiling water over pineapples briefly can prevent this.
What You Should Know About Pineapple
For generations, the pineapple was the epitome of an exotic delicacy. However, in the age of imports, pineapple has become a much less rare and more popular fruit. Today, pineapples are available and consumed year-round in the United States.
An interesting fact about the pineapple: in reality, it's not a fruit at all, but rather a so-called collective or pseudo-fruit. Pineapples can take up to three years to harvest and depending on the variety (there are about 100 different varieties) can weigh 1-4 kg.
Origins
The discovery of the pineapple by Western culture is attributed to Christopher Columbus, who first tasted it in Guadeloupe in 1493. Botanists believe that the original home of the pineapple was Paraguay, where one of the main pineapple growing areas is still located today.
Other important suppliers of pineapples are primarily the West Indies, Africa, Central and South America, Thailand, and China. Pineapples are also grown in the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Crimea.
Season
Pineapples are available in the supermarket all year round.
Taste
Ripe pineapples taste sweet with a slightly sour note and are very juicy.
Our Favorite Pineapple Recipes
How Healthy Is Pineapple?
Although pineapples are not one of the top suppliers of vitamins, an average portion of 150 g of pineapple covers almost one-third of your daily vitamin C. However, this only applies to fresh pineapple! Pineapple is also virtually fat-free and very low in calories.
Pineapples also contain an enzyme called bromelain, which makes meats more tender when marinated with pineapple and easier to digest for those with sensitive stomachs.
| PINEAPPLE NUTRITIONAL INFO (100 g) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 51 |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Grease | 0.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.3 g |
| Fibers | 1 g |
Shopping and Cooking Tips
Shopping
Fresh pineapple tastes best and is also healthier than canned pineapple. The hallmark of freshness and peak flavor in pineapples is the green color of their leaf crown. Speaking of leaves: if the inner leaves of a pineapple can be easily plucked out, this indicates an optimal degree of ripeness. Also, pay attention to the stem base at the bottom of the pineapple - this is where mold often forms.
Storage
Do not leave ripe pineapples at home for too long - they are best enjoyed within a few days. If necessary, however, they can also be kept in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator for about 1 week. Pineapples that are still green, i.e. not quite ripe, can, of course, be left lying around longer and still ripen, best at room temperature.
Preparation
Peeling and chopping a fresh pineapple might look like a bit of a hassle, but isn't really that difficult. First, cut off the stem base and the leaf crown with a large knife. This makes it easy to place the pineapple on the work surface and use the knife to remove the skin from all sides from top to bottom. Cut generously so that the brown and unpleasantly hard "eyes" are also removed. Depending on the recipe, you can now cut the pineapple into slices or cubes. Remember that the hard stalk in the middle is inedible.
What To Make With Pineapple
With its exotic and delicious sweet and sour taste, pineapple goes well with many dishes, from Asian to Caribbean cuisine.
Pineapple tastes great in curries and wok dishes with pork and poultry, for example. Pineapple is also great in vegetarian dishes or salads.
Fresh pineapple also tastes delicious in desserts, especially fruit salads, cakes, and tarts.
