PINEAPPLE

Pineapple (Bromelia ananas Linne), believed to have originated in South America, is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 5ft tall and has a short, stocky stem with tough, waxy leaves. 200 or more flowers are produced, and once they flower the individual fruits of the flowers join together to create one multiple fruit that is a wide cylindrical shape with thick, rough skin which is dark green when unripe and orange-yellow when ripe. Its yellow juicy flesh has a sweet aroma, a sweet tangy flavor and is often eaten raw, juiced or added to beverages, and can be added to cooked meals also.

Pineapple is best known for being rich in the enzyme bromelain. It is also a very good source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber, and contains moderate amounts of copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium, thiamin, vitamin B6 and folate.