How to Peel a Pineapple

Remember Cheezels??? That's how you eat Cheezels, stick your finger through the hole. But this is a pineapple. that's a bit to big. Hahaha!!

When I made Pineapple Tarts for sale back when I was 17, I never peel my own pineapples. I pay extra 50 sen (for each fruit) to have it done. It's not easy to peel 10 pineapples each time I make the jam. And I make that a few times. I'd rather pay. But now, I only need one... So, I tried peeling this myself. My first attempt. Hahahah!!

I'm going to do another upside down cake, since I was dissapointed last time.

So before I bake the cakes again, here goes my peeling adventure..

Wonder why the numbers are not quite right with this 2nd peeling pic? Cos I missed those in the middle out during my initital editing, so I just quickly remedied it... haiya, nevermind la. Not perfect nevermind one.

Now, I can peel my own pineapple already. Can you? I'm sure you can.

Oh ya, one more thing about pineapples. I always bake with Morris variety. Huh? What what???

There are a few varieties of pineapple in Malaysia, and the common ones in the market are Morris, Josapine(not Josephine ok, no such pineapple), and Sarawak variety, with Morris being almost everywhere. It's at the rojak stalls, the cut fruit stalls, the juice stations.. Why? It's the cheapest!!!

Well, it's not because of the price that I use this, but because of the taste. I'm sure you won't want to bake with red apples, but green ones. Why? Things that are too sweet don't really taste that good when baked, right? I like Morris, due to the tartness, the amount of fibre it has (especially when it comes to pineapple tarts, the more fibre, the more jam I'll get from 1 fruit). Josapine is more of a eating pineapple than a baking one, that's my personal opinion., but then again, I don't eat fresh pineapples. Maybe due to bad experiences of them making my tongue sore when I was a kid, and they were Morris :)

Posted by guest blogger visit her blog at http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com

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Health Benefits Of Eating Pineapple

One fruit that has provided much health discussion is the good ol’ pineapple. Rarely was it referred to as anything other than a fresh slice of goodness, but lately the effects have provided a more quality review. There might be serious health benefits to men and women by consuming some sort of pineapple daily, whether it be fresh, canned, or the juice.

Pineapples are packed with precious vitamins and nutrients which cause the benefits to include the following:

1) Mighty Manganese

• Manganese is the first mineral of which pineapple contains valuable amounts. Manganese functions in the human body to keep bones strong. Manganese assists in creating bone and connective tissue. 73% of the RDA of manganese can be obtained with simply one cup of pineapple. Calcium is commonly known as the most important component of bone strength, made popular by “Got Milk?”; however, manganese in pineapple helps in absorption of the calcium thus creating a double effect of bone strength. Youth and elderly can benefit from this- growth and maintenance can dually be achieved.

2) No Pain Bromelain

• The next essential agent that pineapple possesses is bromelain. Bromelain aids in managing pain, inflammation, swelling, discomfort, and other similar annoyances. Pain that can be associated with surgery, arthritis, or other inflammation related causes can be controlled and contained more effectively with the healing power of bromelian packed pineapple- the healing fruit.

Beneficial for Men and Women Alike

Pineapple is not more beneficial for one sex or age over the other. There are general health benefits to reach a wide range of consumers:

• Pineapple can help in the stomach and intestinal area for many different reasons. Pregnancy related problems such as nausea or morning sickness can be treated with simple pineapple consumption. Abdominal irritation, constipation, and even worm infestations can be remedied with this fruit. The GI tract is heavily benefited with pineapples. Even dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome has been known to be treated with pineapples; however, just the juice is not as fiber-packed.
• Thyroid regulation has been maintained with common consumption of pineapple.
• Respiratory troubles have been greatly helped with pineapple due to the high levels of the previously mentioned bromelain because of the anti-inflammatory properties keeping the bronchial walls from becoming inflamed.
• Pineapples work to keep the cardiac health.
• Pineapple is also positive in improving the overall immune system of an individual.

With all of these benefits affecting almost every system of the body, it is necessary to ensure that each individual does not have an allergy to pineapple for the benefits will not be fully revealed.

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Pineapples Surprising Health Benefits

Pineapples are believed to have originated in Brazil. Christopher Columbus and his crew were thought to be the first Europeans to taste this delicious fruit and export it back to Europe. It was later grown in hothouses throughout Europe and originally was a very expensive fruit that only the nobles and royal families could afford to enjoy. Pineapple gets its name from a description of the reproductive organs of conifer trees, known as their pinecones.

A man named James Dole, living in Hawaii was first to recognize a global market for pineapple and cultivated vast plantations of pineapple to be exported to the world, mostly as a canned product. South East Asia is now the main supplier of pineapples to the global market. In early historical America, pineapples were often given as a gift of friendship. This article discusses the nutritional properties of pineapple and the health benefits of consuming this delicious fruit.

Nutritional Properties of Pineapples

Pineapples are a rich source of nutrients and low in calories at only 80 calories per cup. It is a rich source of dietary fiber including pectin. They contain natural sugars (fructose) that do not cause a spike in insulin when consumed. Insulin spiking foods initially cause a burst of energy but you quickly crash after eating them and need to refuel with food again. They also contain powerful antioxidants including vitamin C and have a small percentage vitamin A and beta-carotene.

They are a rich source of the B vitamins including folates, thiamin, pyridoxine and riboflavin. From a mineral perspective they are a good source of copper, manganese and potassium. It also contains small amounts of protein, healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. From a chemical perspective, pineapples contain bromelain, malic acid, alpha- hydroxyl acid and citric acid. Bromelain has been proven to be a mild anti-inflammatory, is a blood thinner and also exhibits anti-cancer properties.

Health Benefits of Pineapple

• Powerful Antioxidant
  
  
  A cup of pineapple contains 131 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps to rid the body of free radicals. Free radicals are the by product of food metabolism and they can cause the inflammation of healthy tissue in the body. Inflammation is the precursor to many serious disease processes including heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C also protects our DNA from damage by blood toxins and pollutants. It also helps to boost the immune system, reducing the incidence of coughs, colds, influenza and infections.

• Treatment for Gout
  
  
  Gout is thought to be caused by a build up of uric acid crystals in the blood causing extreme pain in the large toes of the foot. Consumption of pineapple has been shown to decrease uric acid levels in the blood, effectively preventing painful gout flare-ups.

• Anti-Inflammatory
  
  
  Bromelain, a chemical in fresh pineapple exhibits mild anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming pineapple can help treat mild forms of arthritis, sports injuries and inflammation post surgery. By reducing inflammation, pain levels are also reduced.

• Healthy Bones and Cartilage
  
  
  One cup of fresh pineapple contains 76 percent of the daily recommended dosage of manganese. Manganese is important for the growth of healthy bones and cartilage. It is also required for collagen formation and wound healing. Manganese rich foods like pineapple can be used to ensure healthy, glowing, facial complexion and to accelerate healing times of wounds.

• Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
  
  
  Pineapples are low in calories per cup and can be included in any weight loss diet. They are considered a nutrient dense food with few calories. A source of fiber, when pineapple is consumed it takes longer to digest in the stomach, causing a feeling of fullness for longer. This effectively stems hunger and prevents the risk of snacking on unhealthy foods. Fiber also helps to prevent constipation and stimulates the bowels towards the elimination process, aiding to remove fat from the body. Being 87 percent water, pineapples also contribute to stemming off hunger, increases your water intake and it is well known that consuming water regularly throughout the day can also lead to weight loss.

• Beauty Treatment
  
  
  Crushed fresh pineapple can be used as a mask for the face and to soothe and soften the feet. The vitamin C in pineapples can help slow the ageing process reducing the prevalence of fine lines and wrinkles. Many of today’s anti-wrinkle creams contain vitamin C, bromelain and alpha-hydroxyl acid as found in pineapples. Concentration levels of these two ingredients are higher in commercial creams compared to pineapples but masks made with crushed pineapples can have some beneficial effects for the skin. Pineapple masks can cause a rash in some sensitive people hence it is recommended to test a small area of skin first, before applying liberally. Pineapple is also has a mild exfoliating effect on the skin and can be used to help remove calluses and smooth rough skin of the feet. After soaking the feet in crushed pineapple, use a pumice stone to remove the dead skin.

• Other
  
  
  There are some early studies showing that pineapples may help prevent heart disease, cancer, lead toxicity, cataracts, stroke and lower blood pressure. Although studies are only in their infancy, pineapples are showing some promise in these areas.

In conclusion, fresh pineapple is best consumed to retain the nutrient benefits. Cooking destroys much of its health benefiting nutrients and chemicals. Beware that many canned products contain added sugar which is not as healthy as fresh pineapple. When choosing a fresh pineapple to consume, choose one that is considerably heavy for its size and one that has dark green leaves.

Once the pineapple has been sliced, it keeps for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eating pineapple makes a healthy snack, one you can consume without guilt and without packing on the kilos. You will also know that you are nurturing your body with many of the nutrients it requires and providing yourself with some protection from many disease processes.

Sources

University of Maryland Medical Center Bromelain Retrieved January 18,2013

Feminists Womens Health Center.Org Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. Pineapple: Natures Healing Fruit Retrieved January 18,2013

Kerala Agricultural University Dr P.P Joy Benefits and Uses of Pineapple Retrieved January 18,2013

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