Pineapple
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Major Growing Areas
Pineapples grow in places with ample sunshine. A native fruit of Brazil, they are subsequently cultivated in places such as Mexico, Palestine, the Philippines, Thailand, China and Taiwan, etc.
Varieties
There are three main varieties of pineapples: Natal Queen (which is intensely fragrant, juicy and sweet), Smooth Cayenne (which has a moderately sour and sweet taste) and Red Spanish (with the juice having a more sour taste).
Nutritional Values
Pineapples are rich in dietary fibre which helps promote bowel movements.
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Per 100 g (2 slices of pineapple, approx. 1.5 cm thick) |
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Energy |
50 kcal |
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Sugar |
9.9 g |
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Vitamin C |
47.8 mg |
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Dietary Fibre |
1.4 g |
Buying Tips
It is advisable to buy pineapples that look heavy and smell fragrant. A pineapple is ripe if it becomes slightly dented after being pressed with a finger.
Interesting Titbits
Pineapples are known as a "natural meat tenderiser" because they contain bromelain (an enzyme that can decompose protein) which can soften meat. Bromelain can decompose gelatin, making jelly difficult to set. So, when making jelly with pineapples, it is advisable to cook the fruit beforehand or use canned pineapples (for they have been processed at a high temperature).
One Serving of Fruit is Equivalent to:
2 slices of pineapple, approx. 1.5cm thick
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