Pineapple: The Unsung Hero of the Fruit World

Let’s be honest—how often do you walk past a pineapple in the supermarket and hesitate?

Me too.
I get it.

• It feels like a chore to cut

• You end up throwing away more than you use

• You’re not even sure if it’s ripe

• And honestly? Not everyone in the house is excited to eat it

These were my exact reasons for skipping it too.
But then I learned what this humble, spiky fruit is actually doing for your body—quietly, powerfully, and without the hype. Pineapple might just be the most underrated fruit in your kitchen.

🌟 Why Pineapple Deserves a Spot on Your Plate

Pineapple is more than just tropical flair. It’s packed with nutrients, contains unique enzymes, and brings serious health benefits.

🧠 The Bromelain Factor

Pineapple is one of the only natural sources of bromelain, an enzyme that:

• Helps break down proteins, improving digestion. Its used as meat tenderiser for the same reason. Makes perfect sense to grill some pineapple on the Barbecue right !

• Reduces inflammation – potentially easing arthritis symptoms or speeding up post-surgery recovery

💪 A Natural Immune Booster

It’s loaded with vitamin C, supporting your immune system, aiding wound healing, and helping your body produce collagen.

🦴 Strengthens Your Bones

It’s surprisingly high in manganese—just 100g provides nearly 45% of your daily needs. Manganese is crucial for bone formation and a healthy metabolism.

🌿 Centuries of Healing Tradition

Pineapple has been used for centuries in Central and South American traditional medicine to treat inflammation and digestive issues.

😬 About That Tingling Sensation...

Ever feel a slight burn or tingle in your mouth after eating pineapple? That’s the bromelain and acidity mildly breaking down proteins. It’s totally harmless for most people—just nature doing its thing.

🍽️ How to Use Pineapple – Beyond Pizza and Pina Colada

Nope, not talking about ham and pineapple pizza.
Pineapple is wildly versatile, and there are tons of ways to use it in both sweet and savory dishes.

Try These Ideas:

• Add to quinoa or rice bowls for a tropical contrast

• Blend into smoothies with mango and Greek yogurt

• Make a spicy pineapple salsa for grilled fish or tacos

• Stir into overnight oats with coconut milk for a piña colada-style breakfast

• Grill it with cinnamon for a healthy, caramelized dessert

The Verdict: Worth the Hassle?

Sure, it takes a little effort to prep.
Yes, it might not be everyone’s favorite right away.

But once you know what it does for your body—and how many delicious ways you can use it—it’s hard not to give pineapple a little more love.

Recipe Ideas

Pineapple Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl

📝 Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa

• Grilled or sautéed chicken (or tofu)

• Pineapple chunks (fresh or lightly grilled)

• Edamame or green beans

• Shredded carrots

• Sliced cucumber

• Scallions, sesame seeds

🍍 Teriyaki Dressing:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• ½ tsp grated ginger

• Optional: a dash of chili flakes

🔪 How to Make:

1. Layer quinoa in a bowl.

2. Add your protein and arrange veggies and pineapple on top.

3. Drizzle with teriyaki dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions.

4. Serve warm or chilled.

✅ Why it works:

• The pineapple’s tangy sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory soy-ginger notes and hearty quinoa.

🍬 Pineapple Coconut Overnight Oats

📝 Ingredients (1 serving):

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ⅓ cup coconut milk (or almond milk with a splash of coconut extract)

• ⅓ cup chopped pineapple (fresh or lightly stewed)

• 1 tbsp shredded coconut

• 1 tsp chia seeds (optional for thickness)

• 1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)

🥣 How to Make:

1. In a jar or bowl, combine oats, milk, chia (if using), and sweetener.

2. Stir in pineapple and coconut.

3. Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 6–8 hours).

4. In the morning, stir and top with extra pineapple, coconut, or nuts.

✅ Why it works:

• Creamy, tropical, and naturally energizing—this is like a piña colada you can eat with a spoon.

🔪 How to Cut a Pineapple (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Lay the pineapple on its side and slice off the top (crown) and bottom.

2. Stand it up and slice down the sides to remove the skin, following the curve.

3. You’ll see small brown "eyes" — slice shallow grooves to remove them in a spiral pattern.

4. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, then again into quarters.

5. Remove the core from each quarter (it’s the firmer centre strip).

6. Dice the remaining flesh into chunks or thin slices — ready to eat or cook with!💬 Your Turn:

Do you eat pineapple regularly, or has it been sitting on your mental “too much work” list too?
Let me know your favourite (or most creative) way to enjoy pineapple in the comments below!