WHAT IS A PINEAPPLE?

This tropical fruit is actually a mass of berry flowers that have fused together around the central stalk.  That is why the outer skin is segmented.  It takes 3 years for a pineapple to fully mature.  European explorers named them due to having an appearance similar to their native pine cones but having the sweet taste of apples.

WHY ARE PINEAPPLES GOOD FOR YOU?

While low in calories, they’re high in fiber, manganese and vitamin C!  The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants in particular has additional health benefits (good for your eyeballs).

WHEN ARE PINEAPPLES IN SEASON?

While March through July is considered the best time of year, pineapples due to their long maturation process are available year-round.

HOW SHOULD PINEAPPLES BE STORED?

Once harvested, pineapples are on of those fruits that don’t continue to ripen when off the vine.  Store in your refrigerator for up to a week.  Stored at room temperature they’ll fully ripen in 1 to 2 days.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO CUT A PINEAPPLE?

Click here if you’d like to see the proper way to peel or to cut a pineapple!

WHY ARE PINEAPPLES A NAUTICAL SYMBOL WELCOMING PEOPLE HOME?

In the 1800s it was extremely difficult to get a fresh pineapple all the way from the Caribbean without it rotting or being preserved in some way.  Only the fastest ships (and a little luck with the weather) were able to import this fruit in time.  Sailors upon arriving back home would stick a pineapple outside their front door to let everyone know they were still alive and guests were welcome to stop by.