Pineapples are tropical fruits that grow on plants close to the ground. They have spikey skin, spikey green leaves on top and a bright yellow and edible flesh. It is sold whole and fresh, pre-cut, canned and dried. Pineapple is used as a flavouring for juices, ice cream, yogurt, and in cocktails.
Fun fact – Pineapples are made up of groups of fruit that have fused together. This technically makes it a berry.
How to check if a pineapple is ripe
- Select a leaf in the centre and pull on it gently. If it comes out easily, it’s ready!
- Check the exterior, if the skin is a yellow colour it’s ripe! Pineapples start off green and turn a golden colour from the bottom up as they ripen. Choose a pineapple that has a uniform yellow colour. If its gone dark orange it may be overripe.
- If your pineapple smells fruity and sweet, it’s ready to eat (like the rhyme?)! If there isn’t a distinct smell it may need more time, on the opposite end o the spectrum if it has a vinegary smell it’s probably past its best!
Pineapple Recipes
- Pineapple is used in many desserts. Upside-down cake is baked in a single pan with pineapple circles on the bottom of the pan, it is them flipped.
- Pineapple pizza (also known as a Hawaiian pizza) Even though it sparks outrage in some was the most popular pizza popping in Australia in 1999!
- Pineapple is used in stir-fries with, it’s great with chicken and vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
- Fresh pineapple or pineapple juice is also a great addition to smoothies.
Pineapple Nutritional Information
Pineapples have a low calories content, there are only about 50 calories per 100g. Not only that but pineapples are packed with vitamins and minerals!
They are high in vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C is known as an ‘essential vitamin’ because it can’t be produced by the body.
Pineapple is also a source of important vitamins and minerals, including; thiamin, riboflavin. vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene and other antioxidants
Pineapple is completely safe, to eat during pregnancy. You may have heard that pineapple may cause miscarriage or induce labour. However, this is completely false!