Pineapple is a fruit plant that is nowadays cultivated in the tropical climatic areas all over the world. The fruit is very fond of being eaten fresh or processed into fruit in preserves or fruit juices. A pineapple that is fresh and fully ripe is a great treat.
This is what you should know about the pineapple
Over 100 varieties are known, differing by color, fiber shape, size and firmness. The yellow varieties are more popular than the green ones because they are sweeter, can be stored longer and ripen better. Christopher Columbus discovered the pineapple, because it was he who first tasted it. However, its original home is believed to be in Paraguay, which is still one of the main growing areas. The pineapple is one of the best known tropical fruits. Meanwhile, there are numerous growing areas in the world, so that the pineapple is available all year round. Important suppliers are West India, Central and South America, Africa, Thailand, the Philippines and China. There, the pineapple grows mostly on large cultivation plantations. However, there are also small growing areas in Europe, for example in the Azores and Canary Islands. More than 100 varieties are known, differing in color, fiber shape, size and firmness. The yellow varieties are more popular than the green ones because they are sweeter, can be stored longer and ripen better. In general, in terms of taste and texture, pineapple when ripe is sweet with a slightly acidic note and very juicy.
Importance for health
Pineapple has a variety of positive effects on health. It contains abundant nutrients and thus strengthens the immune system, lowers high blood pressure, acts as a mood elevator and regulates digestion. A 150-gram serving of fresh pineapple provides more than 25 mg of vitamin C, almost one-third of the daily requirement. Apart from the vitamin C content, it offers numerous other valuable ingredients and is also low in calories and virtually fat-free. The contained iodine supports thinking, the zinc maintains mental performance and reduces the effects that stress can cause. The calcium strengthens the nerves, because it calms and relaxes. The vanillin in pineapple is also a natural mood enhancer. The magnesium also does a good job, because it has an antidepressant effect and relieves nervousness and anxiety. In addition, it regulates the calcium balance and also the alkaline balance in the body, since the pineapple has a strong alkaline effect thanks to the minerals it contains. The iron in pineapple is important for physical and mental performance. Fresh pineapple juice is very good for fever and colds. It drains and purifies, since the fruit acids of the pineapple absorb substances in the tissue. In addition, arteriosclerosis can be prevented, as deposits on the inner walls of the vessels are broken down. Furthermore, the pineapple effectively supports digestion and fat burning, so thanks to the contained digestive enzyme bromelain, it is also suitable for people who want to lose weight.
Ingredients and nutritional values
| Nutritional information |
Amount per 100 gram |
| Calories 50 | Fat content 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol 0 mg |
Sodium 1 mg |
| Potassium 109 mg | Carbohydrates 13 g |
| Protein 0,5 g |
Vitamin C 47.8 mg |
Pineapple is not only very tasty, but it also contains many healthy minerals, trace elements, vital substances and enzymes, thanks to which it is a true natural remedy. For example, the tropical fruit contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and iodine. All these substances are needed by the body to stay healthy. The fresh pineapple also provides important vitamins, for example, a lot of vitamin C, biotin, provitamin A, vitamin E, as well as numerous other essential vitamins such as niacin, thiamin and riboflavin. The high bromelain content in the pineapple is also responsible for the health-promoting effect. Although pineapple contains between 8 and 15 percent fructose, depending on the degree of ripeness, this is immediately converted into glucose by the body so that it can be utilized directly. 100 grams of pineapple contain about 53 kcal, making the fruit a healthy and low-calorie food.
Intolerances and allergies
Exotic fruits are healthy and taste good, but some people can’t tolerate tropical fruits like pineapple, resulting in unpleasant hypersensitivity reactions. It can be helpful in part to try different varieties. The “Sweet Pineapple”, for example, has proven to be effective in cases of digestive weakness. This very sweet variety is particularly well tolerated if the body does not produce sufficient gastric acid. However, this variety is not suitable for people suffering from gastric mucosal disorders, as it has a high content of fruit acid.
Shopping and kitchen tips
When buying pineapple, care should be taken to choose heavy and large fruits that have an intense fragrance. The fruit should be bright yellow to orange. The inner leaves, which are located on the stem of the pineapple, should be easy to detach, as this illustrates an optimal degree of ripeness. When pressure is applied to the flesh, it should yield slightly, but the pineapple should not show any pressure marks. The green color of the leaf crown is a sign of freshness and good taste. When buying, attention should also be paid to the stem base at the lower end, as mold often forms here, indicating over storage. Fresh pineapple not only tastes best, but it is also healthier than canned or jarred fruit. However, a ripe pineapple should not be left at home for too long and is best enjoyed within a few days. In the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator, it will last about a week. A pineapple that is still green, i.e. not quite ripe, may remain at room temperature for longer so that it can ripen. In most cases, however, fruit harvested early often has a somewhat sour taste.
Preparation tips
Many people shy away from the preparation, because peeling and chopping the fresh pineapple is already a bit tedious, but with a little practice this will be easy. First of all, using a large knife, cut off the base of the stem and the crown of the leaves of the pineapple, so that it can be well placed on the work surface and freed from the peel all around. This is done from top to bottom. Depending on the recipe, the pineapple can then be sliced or diced. In the process, the hard, inedible stalk, which is located in the middle, is also removed. Thanks to the sweet-sour and exotic taste of the pineapple, it goes well with many dishes. The fruit is very popular in Asian, African and Caribbean cuisine. For example, the pineapple tastes great in curries and stir-fry dishes with pork and poultry. But it also fits wonderfully in vegetarian dishes or salads. Other uses for fresh pineapple include desserts, fruit salads, cottage cheese dishes, fruit sundaes, pizzas, cakes and pies. Among the most popular dishes or drinks prepared with the pineapple are the Toast Hawaii, the Pizza Hawaii, various curry dishes and baking specialties, as well as the widely known cocktail Pina Colada.