Pineapple
The pineapple is unmistakable! It has a golden-orange underside and a tuft of spiky leaves on top. In reality, it's a cluster of numerous diamond-shaped small fruits, each emerging in the place of a separate flower.
This fruit grows in the tropics. It has yellow, sweet-tart, and very aromatic flesh. There are hundreds of varieties of pineapple, ranging from very small to very large.
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which breaks down protein. This same enzyme allows pineapple juice to be used as a marinade for meat and fish, as it makes them tender. Bromelain does not gelatin thicken, so you shouldn't even try to make jelly from pineapple and its juice.
How and when to buy?
Pineapples can be purchased at any time of year. When purchasing, choose a fruit that is heavy enough for its size. There should be no damage or dried out areas on the surface. The leaves should be green, not brown. A ripe pineapple should emit a strong, sweet aroma. To test the ripeness of a pineapple, you can try tearing off one of its leaves. If the fruit is ripe, the leaf will come off quite easily.
Culinary uses
Cut off a small section of the pineapple's top, including the leaves. This section can be used for garnishing dishes. Next, cut off the bottom so the fruit can rest securely on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, begin peeling the pineapple, working from top to bottom. If any brown spots from the peel remain on the core, remove them. Cut the remaining clean core into slices, and then into smaller pieces. You can also make a pineapple stuffed with fruit. To do this, peel it, cut it in half, and remove the pulp from the center of each half, as if making a trough out of each half.
Pineapples can be eaten fresh, grilled (4-5 minutes), or pan-fried (3-4 minutes). They can be used in puddings, marinades, salsas, and baked goods. Sliced pineapple is served with ham, lamb, and fish.
Storage
Pineapple can be stored at room temperature for 3 days. Whole pineapples shouldn't be refrigerated, but cut pineapples can be refrigerated if they are placed in an airtight container first.
All recipes with pineapple
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