A pineapple is shaped like a giant pine cone with a voluminous crown. While it once was a symbol of wealth; the fruit now represents a warm welcome, celebration and hospitality, especially in the South.
Costa Rica is the largest pineapple producer in the world, followed by Brazil and Philippines.
Pineapple Facts (Ananas Comosus)
- Pineapples regenerate! You can plant the top of the pineapple to grow a new plant.
- Pineapples are a cluster of flowers that form berries that have grown together
- Pineapples take about 18-20 months to become ready to harvest.
- Pineapples are native to South America before Christopher Columbus discovered them in 1493.
- Pineapple is the only edible fruit of the Bromeliads.
- One pineapple plant can produce one pineapple at a time.
- Pineapples ripen faster upside down.
- The manganese, thiamine and vitamin C levels in the pineapple promote the happy hormones and increases energy. This is the reason the pineapple has been labeled a “libido lifter”.
Here is a list of the numerous reasons to eat a pineapple.
- Anti-inflammatory fruit
- High in Vitamin C, Vitamin A and beta carotene
- Alleviate nausea
- Aid in digestion
- Helps to strengthen bones
- Lowers the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes
- Detoxifies the body naturally
- Helps to maintain healthy teeth
- Eases sinusitis
- Natural diuretic
- Boosts your energy
- Helps to lower cholesterol
- Hydrates your entire body
- Boosts blood circulation
- Increases the immune system
- May ease symptoms of arthritis
- High in melatonin so can help you fall asleep faster
- Bromelain enzyme in the pineapple is also very effective in reducing inflammation from infections and injuries. It helps reduce swelling, bruising, healing time and pain after physical injuries and surgery
Throughout Central America and Mexico, pineapples are served at roadside stands covered in lime juice, spicy sauce and sometimes salt.
In North America pineapple is often pinned to hams with cloves to help keep the meat moist while cooking and to add a distinct flavor.
The reason pineapples are able to tenderize meat is due to an enzyme that can be found on the plant, called bromelain. It is all over the stem, the leaves and in the pineapple fruit itself. Bromelain is a special kind of protein that can break down other proteins into acids, more precisely animal proteins into amino acids.
A familiar recipe is pineapple-upside down cake, a scrumptious dessert.
It is consumed for breakfast as a side or with yogurt. It is added to fruit salads.
Pineapple has become a popular pizza topping, which is referred to as Hawaiian style.
Eat pineapple grilled with ginger. Delicious!
Pineapple is an extremely nutritious fruit with high levels of vitamin C. thiamine and manganese, and is an excellent immune system booster!
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