Did you know ?
- 1 A pineapple is a multiple fruit formed from many fused flowers.
- 2 It is one of the world's most important commercial tropical fruits.
- 3 Pineapple plants usually produce a single main fruit per plant cycle.
Pineapple
The pineapple is a tropical fruit valued for its fragrant flesh, high vitamin C content, and balance of sweetness with acidity. Native to South America and now cultivated across the tropics, it is eaten fresh, cooked, juiced, and preserved around the world.
View other Tropical fruits
Nutrition
Detailed nutritional values of pineapples
Section titled “Detailed nutritional values of ”Values of 100g of fresh pineapple - raw :
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Proteins | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 13.1g |
| of which sugars | 9.9g |
| Fiber | 1.4g |
| Fats | 0.1g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
Ripeness
How to know if a pineapple is ripe ?
Section titled “How to know if is ripe ?”
Perfectly ripe
A ripe pineapple smells sweet at the base, has more golden colour on the shell, and gives slightly under gentle pressure while staying firm overall.
How to recognize this state :
- Fragrant, sweet aroma at the base
- Golden-yellow colour spreading across the shell
- Slight give when pressed gently
- Juicy yellow flesh
- Balanced sweet-tart flavour
- Leaves stay green without looking dried out
- Feels heavy for its size
- No leaking juice or soft collapse
Advice for ripe products
Eat a ripe pineapple promptly for best quality, or refrigerate it and use it within a few days.
Selection
How to choose pineapples ?
Section titled “How to choose ?”To choose quality pineapples at the supermarket or market :
- Pick fruit with a fresh, sweet smell at the base
- Choose pineapples that feel heavy for their size
- Look for a shell turning golden rather than fully green
- Avoid fruit with soft spots, mold, or leaking juice
- Select pineapples with healthy green leaves and no fermented odour
Storage and ripening
How to store and ripen pineapples ?
Section titled “How to store and ripen ?”How to store pineapples ?
- Keep a whole fresh pineapple at room temperature if you plan to eat it within 1 to 2 days.
- Refrigerate cut pineapple in an airtight container and use it within about 3 to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze pineapple pieces after cutting and draining them well.
How to ripen pineapples ?
If you bought a pineapple that is not fully ready, here is how to improve its eating quality :
- Leave it at room temperature for a short time to let aroma and texture develop.
- Turn it occasionally so juices redistribute, then eat it once it smells sweet at the base.
Health
Health benefits of a pineapple
Section titled “Health benefits of ”- Rich in vitamin C, which supports normal immune function and collagen formation
- Provides manganese, an essential mineral involved in normal energy metabolism
- Contains fiber that helps support healthy digestion
- Naturally low in fat while adding flavour and moisture to meals
- Contributes water and carbohydrates that make it a refreshing fruit choice
Origin
What is the origin of pineapples ?
Section titled “What is the origin of ?”Origins of pineapples
Pineapple originated in tropical South America, especially the region between present-day southern Brazil and Paraguay. Indigenous peoples spread it through the Caribbean and Latin America long before Europeans carried it to other tropical regions. Today it is cultivated widely in Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
Regions of origin
- South America (southern Brazil, Paraguay)
- Caribbean and tropical Central America
Recipes
Cook a pineapple according to its ripeness
Section titled “Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Grilled pineapple skewers
- Pineapple salsa with chili and lime
- Tropical stir-fry with pineapple
Perfectly ripe
- Fresh pineapple smoothie
- Pineapple fruit salad
- Caramelised pineapple slices
Overripe
- Pineapple compote
- Pineapple upside-down cake
- Frozen pineapple sorbet
Gallery
Pineapples across the world
Section titled “Pineapples across the world”There is no images yet. Submit one now to contribute to the gallery !
F.A.Q
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “Frequently asked questions”Warnings
Warnings and precautions for pineapples
Section titled “Warnings and precautions for ”- Fresh pineapple can irritate the mouth in sensitive people because of its acidity and bromelain content
- Discard pineapples with mold, foul odour, or fermented leaking juice
- Choose canned pineapple carefully, as products packed in syrup may contain substantial added sugar
- People with a known pineapple or bromelain allergy should avoid it
Do not confuse with
A tropical fruit that can look similar from afar but has starchier flesh and is usually cooked when mature.
It resembles the pattern of a pineapple but is a woody seed cone and not edible like fruit.
Another tropical fruit with a textured exterior, but it has soft white flesh and a very different flavour.