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Pineapples have exceptional juiciness and a vibrant tropical flavor that balances the tastes of sweet and tart. They are second only to bananas as America’s favorite tropical fruit. Although the season for pineapple runs from March through June, they are available year-round in local markets. We leave you here with our 3 favorite pinneapple recipes, and after the recipes, more information on our fruit of the month:

Pinneapple Rind Beverage

Pineapple Pork

Pineapple & Chicken Quesadillas

The pineapple tree is actually native to Paraguay in South America and spread by the local Indians up through South and Central America to the West Indies. Later, it was brought to Spain when Columbus discovered Americas’ in 1493.

Selection & Storage

In the store, choose those that are heavy for their size. While larger fruits will have a greater proportion of edible flesh, there is usually no difference in quality between a small and large size pineapple.

Choose fruit that should be free of soft spots, mold, bruises and darkened “eyes,” all of which may indicate that the fruit is past its prime. Some people judge freshness, ripeness and quality by tapping a finger against the side of the fruit. A good, ripe pineapple has a dull, solid sound while immaturity and poor quality are indicated by a hollow thud. It stops ripening as soon as it is picked; therefore, choose a fruit with fragrant sweet smell at the stem end and avoid those that smell musty, sour or fermented.

Ripe ones perish quickly if left at room temperature. Since they are chill sensitive and cannot be stored in the refrigerator for long periods, better use as early as possible. However, if not readily eaten you may place the ripe fruit in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, for later use.

Health & Nutritional Benefits

• Pineapple fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation.
• Fresh pineapple is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin; vitamin C. It is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
• It also contains good amount Vitamin A (provides 58 IU per 100 g) and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes, skin and essential for vision. Studies have suggested that consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
• In addition, this fruit is rich in B-complex group of vitamins like folates, thiamin, pyridoxine, riboflavin and minerals like copper, manganese and potassium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids, helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Copper is helpful cofactor for red blood cell synthesis. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger.

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

• Combine diced pineapple with chopped shrimp, grated ginger and a little olive oil. Season to taste and serve this fragrant shrimp salad on a bed of romaine lettuce.
• Mix diced pineapple and chili peppers for an easy to prepare salsa that’s an exceptional complement to fish such as halibut, tuna and salmon.
• Drizzle maple syrup on pineapple slices and broil until brown. Serve plain or with yogurt.
• Chopped pineapple, grated fennel and cashews go well together and are especially delicious as a side dish to chicken.
• Pineapple is a wonderful addition to fruit salads, especially those containing other tropical fruits such as papaya, kiwi and mango.

Source Nutrition Facts in the Food you Eat and The World’s Healthiest Foods.
Picture from Pineapple Rind recipe by Country Living.

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