Pineapples were once seen as a sign of material wealth and the preserve of the upper classes.
While pineapples no longer have the same status in society as they once did, they are delicious, easy to find in stores, and offer several health benefits.
So, let’s look at 15 things to know about pineapples.
They’re Not One Fruit
Here’s an interesting fact to start with: Pineapples aren’t one fruit.
Pineapples are technically composite fruits, in this case, a collection of individual berries clustered around the central core. They grow as a group of flowers that eventually fuse together to form one entity.
However, pineapple still only counts as one of your five a day!
They Take a Long Time to Grow
If you are thinking of growing your own pineapples, the most important thing you require is patience.
Pineapples take at least 18 months to grow in perfect conditions but can take up to 24 months to grow in other areas. Growing them in warm, humid areas will speed up the process.
Christopher Columbus Introduced Them to Europe
Christopher Columbus is famous for introducing many everyday items and foods from the Americas to Europe, including tobacco, potatoes, and tomatoes. But did you know he also introduced pineapples to our European cousins?
Columbus discovered pineapples when he landed in Guadeloupe. Their name was derived from his description of them as looking like pinecones.
Contains Bromelain
Pineapples are rich in bromelain, a natural enzyme with many health benefits.
Bromelain is known to aid digestion, promote heart health, and help with respiratory health. Studies also suggest that it has anti-cancer properties.
Adding more pineapple to your diet is an easy and delicious way to increase your bromelain intake, which may have significant benefits over the long term.
Varieties of Pineapple
People often don’t realize that there are many different varieties of pineapple, with different tastes and attributes.
Queen and Red Spanish are two of the smallest types of pineapple, while Smooth Cayenne and Kona Sugarloaf are much larger. MD-2 and Abacaxi are known for being sweeter-tasting varieties, while others are much tangier.
Try them all to find your favorite!
Edible from Top to Bottom
While most people only eat the central flesh of the pineapple, there are many other ways to eat it.
The skin can be used to make pineapple broth, while the core can be juiced and turned into smoothies. The base is actually the juiciest part to eat, and you can even use the leaves to make pineapple tea!
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
As already mentioned, there are many benefits of bromelain levels in pineapples. But did you know that pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties?
Regularly eating pineapple can reduce blood inflammation, reducing the impact of arthritis, heart disease, and autoimmune conditions.
If you increase the amount of pineapple you eat, it could help with your long-term health.
Used in Meat Tenderizing
Pineapple is a traditional meat-tenderizing ingredient in Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine, and it is also found in many Asian dishes.
It is used as a marinade in BBQ dishes, teriyaki sauces, and sweet and sour recipes.
While pineapple shouldn’t be overdone, as too much can overwhelm the other flavors, it can naturally tenderize meat dishes.
Hawaii Isn’t Their Native Home
While pineapples are traditionally associated with Hawaii, it actually isn’t their native home.
Pineapples are originally from South America, where they were found in the regions that are now Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. However, the climate and soil in Hawaii are ideal for growing them, and the fruit has become associated with Hawaiian tourism and local culture.
Great for Skin Health
Yet another benefit of regularly eating pineapple is that it can help you improve your skin health.
The high water content helps your skin stay hydrated, and the vitamin C levels boost collagen production, help brighten your skin, and have healing properties. There is also evidence that pineapple has anti-aging properties, preventing fine lines and skin elasticity.
Popular in Cocktails
Pineapple is a popular cocktail ingredient. Not only does it brighten the taste of drinks, but it is also versatile. It can be used as a juice, floating in chunks, or blended for smooth drinks.
Pina Colada, Mai Tai, and Bahama Mama are some of the most popular pineapple-based cocktails.
Low in Calories
We’ve already looked at the many health benefits of pineapples, but another of those is that they are very low in calories.
Pineapple can be an essential part of a calorie-controlled diet. It can also be added to healthy desserts to make them sweeter and more interesting without adding to one’s waistline.
Appear in Fashion and Pop Culture
Pineapples often appear on summer clothing, including Hawaiian shirts and graphic tees.
In music, pineapples are often mentioned to help create a summer feeling, while they appear in TV shows and movies to create a tropical aesthetic.
You may be invited to a tropical-themed wedding or summer party, and pineapples are almost guaranteed to be present.
Rich in Antioxidants
The list of health benefits of pineapples is endless!
They are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals, which can cause aging and inflammatory diseases, while also helping with digestive issues.
Compounds like Beta-Carotene contribute to immune function, and Phenolic Acids reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage.
Don’t Eat Too Much Pineapple!
While this list may encourage you to go out and fill a shopping cart with pineapples, be careful not to eat too many!
Bromelain is responsible for a lot of pineapple’s health benefits, but too much can lead to mouth irritation. The acidic nature of pineapple can irritate the stomach lining.
While adding pineapple to your diet can encourage weight loss, be careful with its sugar content.
