Pineapple

AuthorSteve PageCategoryBreakfast, Fruits & Vegetables, Gluten-free, Sides, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

Costa Rica has the sweetest and best-tasting pineapple that we have ever eaten! This amazing fruit is so juicy and delicious that it makes the perfect refreshing snack on a hot day. We make it a point to keep cut pineapple in our refrigerator, so we have it ready to eat. Pineapple is definitely a staple in our diet here in Costa Rica.

Did you know, a single serving of pineapple contains 131% of the daily-recommended amount of Vitamin C?

Not only does pineapple help curb that sweet-tooth craving, but it is also extremely good for you. Make sure you check out the nutrition information to see all the nutrients your body receives, as you satisfy your sweet tooth.

Probably the most common and versatile way to eat pineapple is in chunks. Simply cut off the top and bottom. Remove the side, and cut around the core. The core is edible and has many nutrients, but it is hard, fibrous and does not hold much of the sweetness that you find in the outer meat.

Chopped pineapple is an extremely healthy and tasty snack. It is simple to pull out a bowl from the refrigerator to munch on. Pineapple chunks can also be added to a variety of dishes including pizza toppings, pineapple chicken, or pineapple pie.

Pineapple slicers are a must-have tool in the Costa Rican kitchen. Make sure you stock your kitchen with one. You can purchase pineapple slicers at some department stores and supermercados in Costa Rica, but they will carry a higher price than in the states. Quality and style selection are limited, as well. We have provided a link to our recommendation for your Costa Rica Kitchen here:

Slicing the pineapple creates rings that give an aesthetic appeal to many dishes. Not only is the bright yellow color pleasing to the eye, but the round shape is a great contrast to the standard block shape of chopping.

Although some people might think using the slicer wastes too much fruit on larger pineapples, you can use this waste to make juice. Both the outside portions of the pineapple with the skin and the core contain pineapple juice. This tasty nectar can be used to make drinks, top salads, or used to make sauces for cooking. Make sure you don’t waste this nutrient-rich treasure.

Health benefits of Pineapple include:
1. Boost Immunity – Pineapples have a bunch of nutrients your body needs including high levels of Vitamin C, which help boost immunity.
2. Treatment For Colds And Cough – Pineapples contain bromelain, which helps reduce mucus and high levels of Vitamin C helps prevent colds.
3. Helps Prevent Cancer - Pineapples are loaded with antioxidants and contain various enzymes that prevent and shrink cancer cells.
4. Reduces Inflammation – Pineapples have high concentrations of bromelain, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation.
5. Eye Health – Pineapples are beneficial for eye health and help reduce the risk of macular degeneration because they contain antioxidant properties and high concentration of vitamin C.

*Barbara Rodgers, CHC