Pineapple

Ananas comosus

fruit

A multiple fruit, born of many fused flowers, from a plant of the dry lands of South America, between Paraguay and southern Brazil. Rich in manganese and vitamin C, it carries an enzyme, bromelain, that tenderises meat.

Origin

South America (Paraná basin)

Season (United States)

all year round · grows in your region

Preparation

The fibrous core is eaten, firmer and just as rich in bromelain; the skin and crown are not. Its bromelain does the same thing as the kiwi's actinidin: no gelatin, and a dairy product that turns bitter if left with it. On the other hand, it tenderizes meat remarkably.

Molecules

Vitamin C · Manganese

Did you know?

Its name comes from the Tupi-Guarani naná naná, “scent of scents”.