It is a sweet juicy fruit native to South America. They are grown from March to June but can be found all year around. It is consumed in a variety of ways but raw pineapple is the most nutritious as it is rich in magnesium and vitamin C.
Usage
They can be consumed fresh, cooked, or in juice. Cut out pineapples are often put on desserts as garnish. It can be added to both sweet as well as savoury dishes for its taste ranges from sweet to tart. Pineapple juice is also a very common way of consuming the fruit. A few cocktails like pina colada have pineapple as their main ingredient.
Nutritional Value
1. Pineapple contains Bromelain, a proteolytic enyme that breaks down protein and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also reduces excessive coagulation of the blood and growth of tumors.
2. Vitamin C in the fruit is a water soluble antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals and prevents heart diseases. Vitamin C is also essential for a healthy immune system.
3. Pineapple is a fruit rich in manganese which is important for energy production.
4. It is low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Note: Even though pineapple is generally safe, its consumption is suggested only after doctor consultation because many people have shown allergies to the compound Bromelain. Also consuming excess amount of raw pineapple in a short time can sometimes cause irritation in the mouth. Though it is very mild and not harmful, it is advised to consume it slowly.
Did you know?
It is believed Christopher Columbus discovered the pineapple on the island of Guadeloupe in 1493.
A pineapple will exactly produce one pineapple for each growing season.