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Pineapple
Get to know the pineapple — a tropical fruit rich in bromelain enzyme. Nutritional content, health benefits, and how to properly pick and cut a pineapple.
What Is Pineapple?
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit with thick, scaly skin and yellow flesh with a distinctive sweet-and-sour flavor combination. Indonesia has several well-known pineapple-growing regions, such as Subang pineapple and Palembang pineapple, each with its own distinct flavor character.
Besides being eaten fresh, pineapple is also a mainstay ingredient in various Indonesian dishes, from sambal (chili paste) and rujak (fruit salad) to gulai (curry) and asinan (pickled salad), because its fresh sourness helps balance savory and spicy flavors.
Nutritional Content of Pineapple
Per 100 grams of fresh pineapple:
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| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~50 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~13 g |
| Fiber | ~1.4 g |
| Vitamin C | ~48 mg |
| Manganese | ~0.9 mg |
| Bromelain enzyme | Concentrated in the core and flesh |
Health Benefits
- Helps digest protein — the bromelain enzyme is believed to help break down protein, which is often linked to the habit of eating pineapple after a heavy meat-based meal.
- High source of vitamin C — supports the immune system and body tissue health.
- Rich in manganese — this mineral plays a role in energy metabolism and bone health.
- Naturally anti-inflammatory — bromelain is traditionally believed to help relieve mild inflammation.
How to Eat Pineapple
- Eaten fresh in slices — can be sprinkled with a little salt to reduce the "tingling" sensation on the tongue.
- Rujak (fruit salad) and asinan (pickled salad) — pineapple is one of the favorite fillings because its sweet-sour flavor pairs well with peanut sauce or spicy-sour broth.
- Mixed into gulai (curry) or sayur asam (sour vegetable soup) — pineapple chunks add freshness to brothy dishes.
- Juiced or blended into a refreshing drink — good mixed with a little honey or lime.
How to Choose & Store
Choosing:
- Smell the bottom of the fruit — a ripe pineapple gives off a fairly strong sweet aroma
- Choose one with evenly yellowish-brown skin, not fully dark green
- Try pulling one of the crown leaves — if it comes off easily, it's usually a sign the pineapple is ripe
- A whole, uncut pineapple can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days before refrigerating
- Once cut, store it in a sealed container in the fridge and use it within 3-4 days
- Pineapple can also be diced and frozen for smoothies or cold drink mixes
Things to Watch Out For
- Some people feel a slight stinging on the tongue or lips after eating a large amount of raw pineapple — this is a normal reaction to the bromelain enzyme, not a sign of allergy
- The stinging sensation usually fades on its own within a few minutes, and can be reduced by soaking pineapple pieces in salt water before eating
- People with sensitive stomach acid should limit pineapple consumption on an empty stomach because of its acidity
Practical Tips
- Soak pineapple pieces in dilute salt water for a few minutes before eating to reduce the itchy/stinging sensation on the tongue.
- Cut pineapple in a spiral pattern following the "eyes" on the skin to reduce waste.
- Use pineapple as a natural meat tenderizer — coat meat pieces with grated pineapple for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Briefly grill pineapple before eating to reduce its sourness and bring out its caramelized sweetness, great as a side for grilled fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my tongue sting after eating pineapple?
This is caused by the bromelain enzyme in pineapple, which naturally "digests" protein, including the tiny proteins on the surface of the tongue and lips. This sensation is normal and usually goes away on its own within a few minutes, especially with pineapples that are still somewhat unripe and have higher bromelain levels.
Is pineapple safe for pregnant women?
Pineapple in reasonable amounts as part of everyday food is generally safe for pregnant women. The myth that pineapple causes miscarriage comes from bromelain levels that are extremely high and unrealistic to reach through normal fruit consumption. It's still recommended to consult an obstetrician if you have specific concerns.
Is the hard core in the middle of the pineapple okay to eat?
Yes, the pineapple core actually contains the highest concentration of bromelain, even though its texture is tougher and less sweet than the surrounding flesh. It can be cut into small pieces or blended together with the flesh for juice.
Want to see this ingredient used in a recipe?
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Note: The nutrition and health information on this page is educational and general. Exact amounts can vary by variety, preparation, and portion.
