Pineapple a bromeliad!

A Flower? Juicy, sweet and delicious.

Pineapples are rich in: vitamins A, C, E, K, vitamin B1/2/3 (thiamin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B12, niacin, fiber, abundant in water plus calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc.

Besides having about 75 calories per serving and zero cholesterol, it contains no saturated fats or mono fats; it does have though omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It does contain some amino acids and citric, organic and malic a acids.

With all those good things said, I would like to tell you that my husband got chicken pox when he was 35 years old; the boys had gone through it, a young girl that worked for us also got it and then, when I thought all had passed, he got it! At the time we were living in Ecuador and because of his age I expected something horrible to happen, but we had a wonderful doctor that came to the house everyday and gave him these great anti-inflammatory medicine based on pineapples and papayas, plus indicated that he should follow a bland diet. He hardly had one or two blisters, and in general it all went very well. After that I decided to investigate a little more on those two fruits. I found out that pineapples are:

-a great anti-inflammatory

-a great protection against macular degeneration

-a great digestive aid, get rid of constipation

-provide antioxidant protection

-a great booster of the immune system

-energy booster

Pineapples are used not only as a dessert but also in the preparation of main dishes, in addition to making great fresh juice and ice cream; and I mention ice cream separated from desserts because ice cream is ice cream!

Pineapples have been so important throughout history that King Charles II of England posed for a portrait receiving a pineapple as a gift.

Sculptures of pineapples have been displayed outside homes as a sign of hospitality – welcoming friends and strangers.

In the north east of the United States, having pineapple served during important events said a lot about the host and hostess social status and it is said that pineapples were rented by the day so they could be exhibited at these events.

It is also associated with warm memories.

Pineapples are peeled, cut and cored before eating. The core is so fibrous that it could cut small incisions on the tongue making it a little difficult to eat; the “eyes” of the pineapple should also be avoided, they are prickly.

If possible, the best way to present it is the way the people from Thailand do (I am sure there is a great method to follow, I’ll do my best to explain):

Cut the crown and put aside

Cut the base and discard

Peel by sections starting at the top towards the bottom

Once all peel is gone, make diagonal incisions to eliminate the “eyes”

Core with a long, thin knife (in Thailand they have a special device for this)

Slice

Put slices together on a platter forming the pineapple

Cut in sections and top with the crown

It not only looks beautiful, it is ready for guests at a buffet table

Enjoy!!!