Shop products for Pineapple 
Also indexed as: Baby Pineapple, Cayenne Pineapple, Pernambuco Pineapple, Queen Pineapple, Red Spanish Pineapple, Sugarloaf Pineapple, Variegated Pineapple
Blended in a food processor by itself, frozen pineapple creates a delectable treat rivaling ice cream.
Native to Central and South America, pineapples also grow in the Philippines, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Hawaii, and other tropical regions. Pineapples have historically been considered symbols of hospitality. Fresh pineapples weigh from 2 to 5 pounds (908 to 2270g) and contain the enzyme bromelain, which is useful as a tenderizing agent but can be damaging to skin. In fact, workers who regularly handle the raw fruit must wear gloves to protect their skin.
Varieties
Pineapple varieties are plentiful, but only a few leading types travel well and are sold commercially. The Cayenne variety is large, firm, and quite sweet, and is perhaps the one most commonly available. Queen pineapples are small, and a little drier and less sweet than the Cayenne. The medium-sized Red Spanish pineapples have purple-hued skin and light yellow flesh. Among the other varieties found at the market are the sweet and medium-sized Pernambuco, the large, heavy, and mildly sweet Sugarloaf, the sweet, white-fleshed Variegated, and the very sweet Baby.
Availability
Fresh pineapples are available year-round, peaking March through July. Canned and dried pineapple are available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Blended in the food processor by itself, frozen pineapple becomes a delectable treat rivaling ice cream, but with fewer calories. The fruit is very versatile, and can be juiced, dried, candied, and used in baking; it is often served as an accent with meat and seafood. Pineapple is often the sweet quality in sweet-and-sour preparations. Served with cottage cheese, rice, or in fruit salad, it makes a healthful meal. When slicing pineapple, use a dish with curved sides to preserve the juice.
Nutritional Highlights
Pineapple (raw), 1 cup (155g), sliced
Calories: 76
Protein: 0.60g
Carbohydrate: 19.2g
Total Fat: 0.667g
Fiber: 1.86g
*Excellent source of: Vitamin C (23.8mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value, based upon United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Foods that are a “good source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the USDA Recommended Daily Value. Nutritional information and daily nutritional guidelines may vary in different countries. Please consult the appropriate organization in your country for specific nutritional values and the recommended daily guidelines.
Health benefits and concerns
Health benefits and concerns
for fruit
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other fruit.
Read about health benefits and concerns for fruit for
a full description.
