Pineapple is a tropical and tasty fruit!
Pineapple is tropical that is exported so it can be found in many places around the world. Let’s find out more about it!
- Pineapple belongs in the family Bromeliaceae.
- It also belongs in the genus Ananas.
- In greek Ananas means… pineapple!
- Pineapple can reach 3.3 to 4.9 feet in height.
- Pineapple natively grows into South America.
- More specifically its native country is Brazil.
- It was cultivated in South America for many years and centuries.
- Pineapple is considered the 3rd most important tropical fruit in the world.
- Hawaii apart from being a tropical destination for vacation was also the dominant pineapple producer.
- But Costa Rica has overcome Hawaii, followed by Brazil.
- The word “pineapple” in English was first recorded to describe the reproductive organs of conifer trees.
- These trees are the ones that are now termed pine cones.
- So, when European explorers encountered this tropical fruit in the Americas, they called them “pineapples”.
- It reached Europe in 1493.
- The one who brought it to Europe was Christopher Columbus.
- The first reference was in 1664.
- Pineapple is the only fruit that when you eat it, it eats you… back!
- It is not dangerous though.
- This happens because pineapple has the enzyme Bromelain.
- Bromelain actually digest proteins…
- But when you consume pineapple the acids in your stomach “kill” the enzyme, so no worries!
- There is also an urban myth that workers in the pineapples’ fields don’t have fingerprints because this enzyme washes the fingerprints away.
- This enzyme is actually quite beneficial for your health!
- It includes chemicals that interfere with the growth of tumor cells.
- So, it can be used to prevent cancer and not to fight it.
- It takes almost 3 years for a pineapple to be ready for consumption.
- This is why it is expensive!
- Pineapple flowers have a variety of colors.
- For instance, they can be bright red or lavender.
- The pineapple is a result of a fusion of 100 to 200 individual flowers.
- In case you are interested, you can plant your own pineapple plant by cutting off the top of a pineapple and planting it in soil.
- You have to eat a pineapple within 2 – 7 days from the day you buy it.
- Once pineapples are harvested, they just won’t ripen any further.
- Pineapples are also used to making wine.
- Pineapples are so important for Hawaii locals that have influenced their slang.
- For example, a sunny day in Hawaii is called “pineapple juice.”
- Some people use pineapple in pizza!
- Pineapples are a cluster of hundreds of fruitlets.
- Ancient civilizations like the Mayans and the Aztecs fond of it.
- Pineapple is pollinated by some birds and even bats.
- Hummingbird is one such bird that is responsible for the pollination of pineapples.
- Pina colada is a famous cocktail that is made of pineapples.
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