Pineapple is more than just a delicious juicy tropical fruit. It shines in a lot of health benefits and is easy to incorporate into meals. This fruit is actually composed of many individual fruits that come together around a core. It is tasty, sweet, and helps boost the immune system.
Health Benefits of Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is rich in vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. And despite their sweet flavors, they are low in calories. They can also aid digestion and benefit your skin.
Here are some health benefits:
- Pineapple is a great source of Vitamin C and provides antioxidant protection and immune support against free radicals that attack and damage cells.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of the enzyme bromelain are also linked to relieving arthritis that causes joint pain due to inflammation.
- Pineapple has Thiamin and Manganese that help in energy production and antioxidant defenses.
- In addition to carrots, pineapples have been linked to lowering the risk against macular degeneration.
- Pineapple promotes digestion due to its fiber content and an enzyme called bromelain. Together they help move things along the gastrointestinal tract and help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining.
Nutrition Information in 1 serving –One cup of fresh pineapple chunks has 83 calories, 21 g of carbohydrates, 2.3 g of fiber 0.89 g of protein, and 0 fat.
Best Uses of Pineapple
Pineapple can be eaten fresh or frozen and can be served in every meal. For breakfast, you can blend it in smoothies, add it as a salad topper for lunch, and even use it in salsas to pair with your protein for dinner.
Diet Friendliness Chart
| Diet Friendliness | Yes | No |
| Keto | x | |
| Diabetic | x | |
| Gluten Free | x | |
| Dairy Free | x | |
| Low Calorie | x | |
| Alkaline | x | |
| Vegan | x | |
| Vegetarian | x | |
| AIP | x | |
| Allergy Friendly | x | |
| Low Carb | x | |
| Paleo | x |
Cook Time: Pineapple can be eaten fresh. However, if you decide to use them in cooked dishes, you only need to cook them for a few minutes or add them at the end of the cooking process, otherwise, they will get too mushy.
History of Pineapple
Europeans were thought to discover this tropical fruit in the Caribbean Islands known today as Guadalupe. When they brought it back to Europe, they realized the fruit required a tropical climate to grow. They introduced the pineapples to Asian, Africa, and South Pacific countries. Since pineapples easily perish, having fresh pineapple became a luxury for the prestige social class. Hawaii is the only US state that cultivates this fruit in addition to other countries such as Philippines, Brazil, and Mexico.
FAQ – About Pineapple
How to Select and store?
Buy pineapple that is larger in size and are free of soft spots and dark eyes. Pineapple that is ripe will smell sweet on its end. Pineapple can be left at room temperature for a day or two before serving. However, they can spoil quickly and should be consumed within 2 days. Cut pineapple can be stored in a refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days in an air tight container. Frozen pineapple can be stored for a few months.
What are tips for preparing pineapple?
There are many ways to cut a pineapple. However, you will always want to remove the crown and the base first. Then, lay it flat on its base. Carefully slice the peel and use the tip of your knife to carve out any “eyes”. From there you can cut th pineapple into slices and remove the core if desired.
Is pineapple good for the skin?
Pineapple contains an enzyme bromelain which is known to break down amino acids. When you eat pineapple, bromelain does the same breakdown in your mouth. When it dissolves the protective mucous that coats your tongue and the roof of your mouth, the acidity of the pineapple is what actually causes the irritation. Cooking the pieapple can remove most of the enzymes. Pairing pineapple with dairy can also neutralize the pH. The processing for canned pineapple also removes most of the enzyme.
Recipe Ideas for Pineapple
Use Pineapples in Kebabs
Bright pineapple flavors pair well with the aromatic onions, and bell peppers to make a delicious and flavor packed kebabs.
Grill Pineapples
Grilling pineapple gets soft and tender and just easily melts in your mouth. The tropical flavor pairs well with other grilled meats. You can either sweeten it even more with brown sugar or honey, or you can make it sweet and savory by adding paprika or chili powder.
Add to Pineapple to Stir Fry
Pineapple can add sweet and sour flavors to savory stir fry dishes. It is super quick and goes well with bell peppers, green onions, and ginger.
Here are some recipes that incorporate pineapple that we think you’ll enjoy:
