Pineapple is the English name for the tropical plant and fruit Ananas. The scientific name of pineapple is Ananas comosus. This word comes from the Tupi words “nanas” (which means pine) and “comosus” (which means tufted). Pineapple has a distinctly bright and vibrant tropical fruit taste that is sweet and tart. There’s more sugar in the base of the fruit, so pieces from that part will be sweeter and more tender.
Is your pineapple organic and ripe?
Organic pineapples will have a sweeter taste than non-organic varieties because they are given longer to ripen and gain more sugar. You want your pineapple to be firm, and it shouldn’t feel as though the fruit is rotten or overly soft.
- Tug the pineapple’s leaves – If you are able to take off one of its leaves easily then that’s a sign that it’s also ripe.
- Smell the bottom – Unripe pineapples lack aroma whereas pineapples with a sweet smell have a sweet taste. Just smell the bottom of the fruit.
- Check for yellow – You’ll know that your pineapple is ripe when at least one side of the fruit has yellow colour.
- Weight of pineapple – Heavy pineapple is a sign that it is juicier which also means that it’s likely to be ripe and sweeter in taste.
Good tip on what to avoid: Overripe and rotten pineapples
- Overripe pineapples will have a very distinct appearance and smell and are mushy when you press it.
- The appearance of pineapples body will look old or brown and leaves may appear dry and break of by a slight touch.
- When there’s soft wet bottom, white mold on leaves and exterior of pineapple – AVOID eating it.
Pineapple Facts
- Pineapple’s regenerate! You can plant pineapple leaves to grow a new plant.
- Pineapples contain the bromelain enzyme which can break down proteins, so you can use them to tenderize meat.
- Pineapples ripen faster upside down.
- Hawaii produces about 1/3 of all pineapples in the world.
- Pineapples are a cluster of hundreds of fruitlets.
- Pineapples take about 18-20 months to become ready to harvest.
- Pineapple is the only edible fruit of its kind, the Bromeliads.
- One pineapple plant can produce one pineapple at a time
Scientific Health Benefits of Pineapples
- Eating pineapple may enhance your weight loss.
- Pineapples nutrient profile means the fruit can help boost immunity.
- Pineapple is packed with Disease-Fighting Antioxidants.
- Thanks to its anti-oxidants, Pineapple has cancer fighting properties.
- The manganese in pineapple promotes Healthy Bones.
- Pineapple’s Nutrient profile Means the fruit can help boost Immunity.
- Eating pineapple may Aid your digestion.
- Pineapple is a fruit rich in vitamin C.
Recipes you can try with jeevamruts pineapple
- Add pineapple to your favourite kebabs. Try shrimp, chicken, or steak kebabs with red onions, pineapple, and cherry tomatoes.
- Make a fruit salad with strawberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, and grapes. Top with unsweetened shredded coconut for a fresh twist.
- Add some pineapple slices to your salad at lunch or dinner. Compliment the pineapple with walnuts or pecans, a crumbled cheese, and light balsamic or citrus vinaigrette dressing.
Kitchen tip: Does salt help in intensifying the sweet flavour?
After peeling a pineapple wash it thoroughly with saltwater. Washing it with saltwater suppresses the astringent taste present in the fruit which in turn makes your pineapple taste sweeter.
Storage tips:
- It may look tough from the outside, but pineapple will bruise easily. Store uncut pineapple at room temperature for no more than two days, or it will become less sweet and more acidic.
- For the best flavour, let it come to room temperature before eating or cooking.
- Cut pineapple should always be stored in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
