Contents
Description
An incredibly juicy, tasty and very aromatic pineapple will be appreciated by everyone who loves tropical fruits. It is not only good for health, but will also be a wonderful decoration for a festive table.
Pineapple history
The historical homeland of pineapple is considered to be Brazil. Most researchers assume that this fruit appeared around the 12-15th centuries. The inhabitants of the Caribbean prepared medicinal products and wine from it, and made fabric from the leaves.
Pineapple came to Europe thanks to the Portuguese traveler Christopher Columbus. In 1493, he wrote that pineapple looks like a pine cone, and its taste is simply incredible.
In Russia, this fruit appeared only in the 18th century. Our ancestors perceived it as a vegetable and prepared pickles from it, stewed it, boiled cabbage soup, and used it as a side dish. The first pineapple on the territory of our state was grown under Catherine II, and it cost like a whole cow! But due to the harsh climate, this culture simply did not take root.
Today, the largest pineapple plantations in the world are located in the Hawaiian Islands. The main suppliers of this tropical fruit are Thailand, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico.
Composition and calorie content of pineapple
Pineapple is rich in vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin C – 12.2%, silicon – 310%, cobalt – 25%, manganese – 40.9%, copper – 11.3%, molybdenum – 14.1%, chromium – 20 %
- Calorie content per 100 grams 52 kcal
- Protein 0.3 g
- Fat 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates 11.8 g
Pineapple benefits
Pineapples have long ceased to be an outlandish fruit for us, and now in supermarkets you can buy fresh, canned, dried in the form of chips and in the form of candied fruits. Of all the variety of options, I still recommend giving preference to fresh pineapples, since it is in them that all the benefits are concentrated.
- First, the product is low in calories. There are only 52 kcal in 100 grams of fruit.
- Secondly, it contains valuable vitamins – almost the entire group of B vitamins and vitamin C in large quantities.
- Thirdly, it has a low glycemic index, that is, it does not give sharp jumps in blood sugar and insulin. This means that pineapple can be consumed by people with diabetes and overweight without harming their health.
And the most important property of pineapple is the content of bromelain, an enzyme that promotes the breakdown of protein. This is very important for those who suffer from low acidity of the stomach, indigestion. Bromelain also has immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory properties.
Several years ago, bromelain preparations were actively promoted as fat burning agents, hence the myth that pineapple helps to lose weight. Unfortunately, magic pills for a thin waist have not yet been invented, and pineapple will only contribute to weight loss with a balanced diet with a slight calorie deficit and sufficient physical activity.
In addition to its excellent taste, pineapple contains many useful vitamins of groups A, B, C, PP and macronutrients (potassium, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, iron), which have a positive effect on human well-being.
Pineapple is recommended for people with poor digestion, because it contains a useful enzyme – bromelain, which helps food digest better. In addition to breaking down food, this enzyme has an anti-inflammatory effect, helps relieve swelling and prevents blood clots.
This tropical fruit is rich in fiber, which improves bowel movements and helps relieve constipation.
Pineapple contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is relevant during seasonal colds. This fruit also contains substances that strengthen the central nervous system, help to cope with bad moods and reduce joint and muscle pain after intense exertion.
Eating pineapple cleanses blood vessels of bad cholesterol and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is believed that this product prevents the growth of cancer cells and reduces the risk of cancer.
Doctors recommend eating no more than 200 grams of pineapple per day to maintain health and strengthen immunity.
Pineapple harm
Due to the high content of fruit acids, pineapple is extremely contraindicated for people with gastritis, high acidity and stomach ulcers. It is advisable for pregnant women to exclude pineapple from their diet, as its fruits can lead to miscarriage.
When eating pineapple, it is advisable not to exceed the recommended rate, because it can irritate the oral mucosa and lead to sores.
Do not eat pineapples if you are prone to allergies. Children under 6 are highly discouraged from using them.
Application in medicine
Pineapple contains a large amount of vitamin C. A person needs to eat 200 grams of pineapple to stock up on the daily requirement of ascorbic acid. B vitamins (B1, B2, B6) help to normalize metabolism, improve bowel function, and also promote the absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin A is an excellent antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body.
Pineapple juice has a beneficial effect on human memory. It is recommended for active mental stress. Regular consumption of juice in the diet cleanses blood vessels and prevents strokes and heart attacks.
In South America, pineapple is used to treat colds, intestinal infections, hemorrhoids, and fevers.
Cooking applications
Pineapple is very popular in the kitchen, especially in Asia and South America. Desserts are prepared from this fruit, its pulp is added to salads, stewed, canned, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies are made, and, of course, they are used for a beautiful and unusual presentation. This fruit goes well with poultry, meat, rice, vegetables, fruits and seafood.
How to choose a pineapple
1. Smell. Ripe pineapple should exude a subtle, delicate scent. If the pineapple produces a sharp, instantly perceptible smell, then the fruit is overripe and has already begun to rot. If there is no smell at all, then the fruit is either still green, or it is a pineapple that has ripened during delivery, i.e. after it has been harvested, which means this fruit is second-rate.
2. Tops (top). If the top leaves of the pineapple are thick and juicy, while easily separating from the fruit, then the fruit is ripe. By the same principle, if a single leaf does not come off the base in any way, then the fruit is immature. The yellowed and dry top of the pineapple means that it has already begun to deteriorate.
And most importantly, you need to take this very green pineapple top with your hands and twist it around its axis. Yes Yes! A ripe pineapple has the top (greens) spinning! If the top is not spinning, then the pineapple is not ripe.
3. Crust. Ripe pineapple is slightly soft to the touch, but its rind remains firm. Unripe pineapples are much harder to the touch. By the way, a green crust is not always an indicator that the fruit is not ripe. But the crust, covered with dark spots, means that the pineapple has already begun to deteriorate.
4. Pulp. Pat the pineapple with your palm. If the sound is dull, then the fruit is moderately ripe, if the pineapple makes an “empty” sound, then it is overripe and “dried out”. The insides of a ripe pineapple are bright yellow-golden in color. A paler color is observed in unripe fruits.
By the way, you need to store uncut pineapple only at room temperature, in the refrigerator it will immediately lose its flavor and become more watery.