Pineapple Pieces 285 G • $1.40/100g

Pineapple pieces are a vibrant, sweet, and tangy tropical fruit. They are consumed all over the world, both fresh and preserved (canned or frozen), and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here is an overview of the key information about pineapple pieces: ### Nutritional Facts (Per 1 Cup/165g of Fresh Chunks) | Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Calories** | $\approx 83$ kcal | | | **Total Carbohydrates** | $\approx 22$ g | $7\%$ | | **Dietary Fiber** | $\approx 2.3$ g | $8\%$ | | **Sugars** | $\approx 16$ g | | | **Vitamin C** | $\approx 79$ mg | $88\%$ | | **Manganese** | $\approx 1.5$ mg | $65\%$ | | **Water** | Over $85\%$ | | ***Note:*** *Values are approximate and based on fresh, raw pineapple. Canned pineapple, especially in syrup, may have higher sugar and calorie content and lower Vitamin C.* ### Health Benefits Pineapple is well-regarded for its high concentration of vitamins and enzymes: * **Excellent Source of Vitamin C:** A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system and is essential for collagen production, aiding in wound healing and skin health. * **Bromelain:** Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which is thought to aid digestion by breaking down proteins. Bromelain is also studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in treating conditions like acute sinusitis. * **Manganese:** An essential mineral important for metabolism, bone formation, and antioxidant defense. * **Hydration and Digestion:** Its high water and fiber content promote a healthy digestive tract and help prevent constipation. ### Culinary Uses Pineapple chunks are popular in a wide variety of dishes, adding a burst of sweet-tart flavor: | Category | Examples of Use | | :--- | :--- | | **Fresh & Cold** | Fruit salads, fruit skewers, as a garnish, added to cottage cheese or yogurt, and blended into smoothies or juices (like Piña Coladas). | | **Desserts & Baked Goods**| Pineapple upside-down cake, carrot and pineapple cake, tarts, and ice cream toppings. | | **Savory Dishes** | **Salsa** (with ingredients like red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño), **Hawaiian Pizza**, in sweet and sour chicken/pork, **teriyaki kabobs** (with chicken or beef), and **pineapple fried rice**. | | **Cooked & Grilled** | Grilled rings or chunks (the grilling process caramelizes the sugars, making it even sweeter), roasted as a side dish, or incorporated into curries. | ### How to Cut Pineapple Chunks (Summary) 1. **Prep:** Place the pineapple on a cutting board and slice off the top crown and the bottom base with a sharp knife. 2. **Peel:** Stand the pineapple upright and slice off the thick outer skin in strips from top to bottom, following the fruit's curve. 3. **Remove Eyes:** Use a small paring knife to carve out the remaining brown 'eyes'. A faster method is to notice the diagonal lines the eyes form and cut shallow V-shaped trenches along those lines. 4. **Core:** Stand the peeled fruit up, slice it into quarters lengthwise, and then slice the hard, fibrous central core away from the flesh of each quarter. 5. **Chunk:** Cut the remaining coreless wedges into your desired size of pieces or chunks.