Healthy Food Database

The pineapple is native to southern Brazil. It was spread to the West Indies and there discovered by Columbus. Columbus took it to Spain and carried it in his ships to protect against scurvy. Pineapples are oval shaped, the fruit covered with a tough, waxy, fibrous exterior. Extending from the sharp, hard leaves is a fibrous core running down the length of the fruit. Pineapples are deliciously juicy and sweet. The fruit can weigh up to 4 kg. Pineapples are a good source of the enzyme bromelain - a natural anti-inflammatory. Whilst it is extremely good for the insides it can cause skin irritations.
ineapples will not ripen once picked, so select carefully and use your nose. Ripe pineapples give off a sweet, fresh, tropical smell. Avoid pineapples that give off an unpleasant odour or have any soft spots or areas of dark discolouration. Avoid green ones as they will not be sweet.
Pineapples can also be bought cut and cored - check for any brown discolouration indicating the fruit is fermenting. Use your nose as a guide to how sweet it is.
If you have a cold and can't smell the pineapple but want to eat it for its high Vitamin C content, to test for ripeness pull one of the green spiky leaves. If it can be removed easily from the crown it's ready.

Category: Fruit

In Season: Spring Summer