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Botanical name
Ananas comosus
Description
The pineapple is a tropical plant with an edible fruit. The pineapple is indigenous to South America where it has been cultivated for many centuries.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Manganese
- Copper
- Thiamin
- Folate
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Pantothenic acid
- Riboflavin
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Calcium
Health Benefits
- Pineapples contain a group of digestive enzymes known as bromelain. Bromelain has many possible health benefits including:
- Helping with cough and colds by reducing mucus in the throat and nose and activating the immune system.
- May help fight cancer.
- Reducing inflammation and easing the symptoms of arthritis, as well as the swelling, bruising and pain that often occurs after surgery.
- Strengthen your bones
- Reduce blood clots
- A glass of pineapple juice can help with morning nausea for pregnant women.
- A few glasses of pineapple juice can help with motion sickness.
Background and History
The wild plant originates from the Paraná–Paraguay River drainages between southern Brazil and Paraguay. The first European to encounter the pineapple was Columbus, in Guadeloupe on 4 November 1493, by which time cropped pineapple was a widely distributed and a stable component of the diet of native Americans. The Portuguese took the fruit from Brazil and introduced it into India by 1550.
In the 20th century, Hawaii was a dominant producer of pineapples, especially for the US, but by 2016, Costa Rica, Brazil, and the Philippines accounted for nearly one-third of the world’s production of pineapples.
Flavor Profile
Bright and fresh with a balance of tart and sweet.
Pairs Well With
- Banana
- Caramel
- Chile pepper
- Cinnamon
- Coconut
- Ginger
- Lime
- Mango
- Orange
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Tamarind
Storage
Pineapples can be left at room temperature for a couple of days to ripen.
Once ripe, whole pineapple can be wrapped in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days.
Cut pineapple, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to six days.
Popular Uses
- Often eaten sliced as a snack.
- Whole, cored slices with a cherry in the middle are a common garnish on hams in the West.
- Chunks of pineapple are used in desserts such as fruit salad, as well as in some savory dishes, including pizza toppings, or as a grilled ring on a hamburger.
- Crushed pineapple is used in yogurt, jam, sweets, and ice cream.
- The juice of the pineapple is often served as a beverage, and it is also the main ingredient in cocktails such as the piña colada.
- Pineapple vinegar is an ingredient found in Honduran and Philippino cuisine.
Recipes
Our 50 Greatest Pineapple Recipes Ever
25 Pineapple Recipes That Will Make You Fall for the Sweet, Juicy Fruit
References
https://www.livescience.com/45487-pineapple-nutrition.html