Pineapple

Pineapple. Characteristics.

It is said that Columbus found it on the island of Guadalupe; they are wild or planted for harvest in other parts of tropical America. The pineapple is also called anana; according to some researchers, the name seems to mean fragrance-fragrance, in the language of the Guaraní people.
The mature pineapple has a very unique fragrance. It is of beautiful color and pleasant sweet and sour taste. It can be eaten raw or as an ingredient in juices, preserves, liqueurs, etc. Both the fruit and the leaves are used in the preparation of medicinal compounds.
The tropical pineapple (Ananas comosus) is the fruit obtained from the plant that receives the same name. Its shape is oval and thick, approximately 30 cm long and 15 cm in diameter.
The edible pulp is surrounded by green bracts that pass to orange when maturing, forming the skin of the fruit. At the upper end the bracts are transformed into a crown of leaves. The pulp, yellow or white is fleshy, aromatic, juicy and sweet. In its interior there is a hard fibrous trunk that goes from the crown to the pedicle.
The plant is herbaceous and the inflorescences are born at the top. These inflorescences are oval. The fruit is an in frutescence that is formed by a set of fruits. It is fleshy and ends in a crown of leaves. It propagates by cuttings and prefers the heat.
The pineapple has a very high water content. The glucids occupy the second place and the contribution of proteins and lipids is very scarce. The caloric value, taking into account its composition is very low. Each 100 g of fresh edible produce is between 64 and 101 kcal. This is why it is very suitable in slimming diets.
American pineapple is usually consumed fresh, alone or in Macedonians. It is also part of cakes and various preparations. Much of the world’s production goes to the canning industry to obtain pineapple in syrup. Another great use is to obtain pineapple juice. This fruit also serves as raw material for making jams, jams and preserves.

Pineapple. Health Benefits.

The caloric content of the pineapple is low, so it is adequate in slimming diets. It is beneficial to facilitate digestion and useful for people with gastritis or dyspepsia. It is slightly laxative and normalizes intestinal functions. It is a fruit that activates pancreatic function. It is rich in manganese, which is barely present in other fruits.
The nutritive profile of pineapple is similar to that of many other fruits that contain high levels of carbohydrates and low levels of fat and protein. Fiber makes up about 14% of the dry matter, so this fruit can be added in a diet low in cholesterol. Its vitamin C content is about half that of citrus, and the level of A provitamin carotenoids is low compared to that of papaya and mango. Pineapple is also a good source of the enzyme bromelain, which plays a role in the digestive tract, aiding in digestion, while also breaking down proteins. Phytochemicals present in pineapples include quercetin and other phenolic compounds considered antioxidants and cancer inhibitors.
The pineapple is sweet, astringent and somewhat acidic. Pineapple bromelain has anti-inflammatory and anti-edema properties. It lowers blood density by preventing thrombosis. It helps to digest proteins and has properties that facilitate the rapid recovery of the organism.
It is digestive, antidiarrheal, diuretic, anti-inflammatory. It is indicated to treat cases of insolation and polydipsia, indigestions, diarrhea, dysuria and diabetes.

Pineapple. Popular Tradition in Cuba.

The pineapple is considered the queen of tropical fruits and the sovereign of the fields of Cuba, covered with a rough skin of golden color that protects a juicy and sweet body. Ideal to take it after an abundant meal to take advantage of its excellent digestive qualities and present in numerous dishes of our culinary tradition.
And although the delicious cocktail “Pina Colada” has become fashionable. Who did not try a rich “garapiña”, lightly fermented drink made mainly with the pineapple peels? And perhaps you do not know that it is of Cuban origin.