Pineapples are one of China’s favorite fruits. Their unique taste allows for a wide variety of ways to enjoy them. This article will introduce five different ways to enjoy them.

Nutritional Information about Pineapples

Pineapples contain many beneficial nutrients. They contain five times the vitamin C of apples. They also contain vitamin B1, which helps relieve fatigue and boost appetite, and dietary fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal motility.

Furthermore, the bromelain in pineapples breaks down protein, aiding digestion. The astringent or biting sensation you might experience when eating pineapples is due to bromelain, which can be avoided by applying a little salt before eating.

Choose a sweet and fragrant Golden Diamond pineapple?

March to May is the peak season for Golden Diamond pineapples. Here are three simple tips to quickly identify a sweet and delicious pineapple.

First, look at the shape of the fruit. Choose ones with smaller stems, fresher crown buds and leaves, and a cylindrical shape. These are of higher quality.

Next, look at the pods. Choose ones with uniform pods, a normal size, and approximately three-fifths turning yellow. If you’re not eating immediately, you can also choose pineapples with golden-green skin. However, store them in a cool, well-ventilated place and avoid stacking them.

Finally, listen to the sound. A crisp, resonant sound is preferred when you tap the pineapple with your fingers.

How to cut the pineapple boat:

• Wash the pineapple, remove the head and tail, and cut into quarters.
• Separate the flesh from the skin of each slice.
• Place the pineapple flesh on the skin and slice. Arrange the pineapple slices in an alternating pattern and arrange them on a plate. You’re done!

There are so many ways to enjoy pineapples!

Besides simply slicing and enjoying pineapples, there are many other ways to use them. Here are five ways to prepare them.

Pineapple Jam:

Wash and dice the pineapples. Add 1kg of pulp and 400g of sugar to a pot. Bring to a boil over low heat to release the moisture, then increase the heat to a simmer, stirring constantly.

When the mixture is reduced to 1/2 its volume, add 100-150cc of lemon juice. Simmer until it has dried up to a jam-like consistency. Then, transfer the mixture to a clean, sterilized container and store. Remember to stir during the process to prevent the bottom of the pot from burning.

Pineapple Tea:

Cut the washed pineapple into fine dice. Then, blanch the pineapple in hot water at 100°C for about 30 seconds. Place the blanched pineapple dice in a fruit dryer and dry at 60°C for 18-24 hours. Once dried, seal the dried pineapple in a cotton bag or tea bag. For pineapple tea, simply soak the dried fruit in 250ml of hot water for 3 minutes.

Pineapple Ice Bars:

Wash the pineapple and cut it into long rectangles (about 1.5cm thick). Don’t cut it too thin, or a bamboo chopstick will crack when inserted. Insert a bamboo chopstick into the sliced pineapple and blanch it in boiling water for about 20 seconds (this will eliminate the bite of the bromelain).

Freeze in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours, and you’re done! The finished product is like a fruit ice cube—delicious and easy to make.

Pineapple Slices:

Wash and peel the pineapple, then slice it into slices (about 1-2cm thick). Blanch it in boiling water for 10-20 seconds. Drain the slices and bake them in a fruit dryer at 55-60°C for at least 24 hours.

The baking time can be adjusted according to the thickness of the slices. Thinner slices require a shorter baking time, while thicker slices require a longer baking time. Once the pineapple slices are dry, they’re ready to enjoy.

Pineapple Smoothie:

Simply wash the pineapple and slice or dice it. Place the pulp in a blender. Add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 cup (about 150cc) of crushed ice and blend until smoothie-like.