Pineapple bites

Source: https://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110602/cook/cook3.html

 

 

 

Pineapples are everywhere. Travelling through Mount Rosser to and from Ocho Rios, it is so enticing to see vendors along the way with sugarloaf pineapples. These can be purchased whole or peeled and eaten instantly, and the first bite into this variety of pineapple will have you going for more. The pineapples are peeled hygienically with vendors using gloves and painstakingly placing the pineapple in clean plastic bags. These vendors are adding value to the pineapple by providing a ready-to-eat snack.

 

A native of South America, the pineapple is tropical and resembles a large pine cone. The green, tough, rough skin turns yellow when ripe and, on peeling, you may get a creamy white or bright yellow flesh. The taste is distinctive and characteristic of the fruit, with a fruity, fragrant aroma, and lends itself to versatility in food preparation.

 

 

Nutritionally, the pineapple is chock-full of health benefits, according to the Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. The fruit is rich in bromelain, a group of protein-digesting enzymes useful in aiding digestion. The fruit is also known for its ability to:

 

reduce swelling and inflammation in carpel tunnel syndrome. break down mucus in respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

 

 

To maximise the anti-inflammatory effects of bromelain, it is best that pineapple be eaten alone between meals for better utility of the enzyme. Pineapples are rich in manganese, which is important to energy production and antioxidant defences.

 

 

When some people eat pineapple or foods containing pineapple, they develop an allergic reaction by the body's immune system. The body's immune system produces immunoglobulin E (IgE - an antibody) and histamine in response to contact with the allergen. The specific symptoms that can result can vary considerably among patients; from a severe anaphylactic reaction to asthma, abdominal symptoms, eczema or headaches (www.wrongdiagnosis.com).

 

When you buy pineapples, they can stay outside the refrigerator for two days. Beyond that, wrap the pineapple in a perforated plastic bag and place it in the refrigerator where it will last for up to five days, especially if they were purchased without mouldy and decaying spots. To cope with the glut of pineapples, they can be bought diced and placed in airtight containers to stay fresh and juicy in the refrigerator for up to a week. Add some juice from the pineapple to the fruit when storing.

 

 

You have to master the craft of peeling the pineapple to remove the skin and 'eyes'. After washing the pineapple, use a sharp knife to cut deep enough to remove the skin while keeping the pineapple upright. Use the tip of the knife to remove the 'eyes' and then slice or cut in the shapes required. The skin is used for the refreshing pineapple-ginger drink.

 

 

When the pineapple is peeled and sliced, it can be used for several food-preparation items. Some ideas include:

 

use in fruit salads and low-calorie fruit drinks.

 

cooking with pineapple combining with proteins such as chicken shrimp, salmon and beef.

 

topping for pizzas.

 

tossed into rice and combined with other 'carbs' like pasta.

 

making desserts including the popular pineapple upside-down cake.

 

fruit salsas

 

pineapple jams and chutneys

 

grilling with meats and vegetables, which makes a tasty kebab.

 

bites

 

 

 

Ready in only 10 minutes, this is another great way to add another fruit to your day!

 

Ingredients:

 

2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped

 

1 cup red and/or green bell pepper, chopped

 

1/2 cup onion slivers

 

1/4 cup lemon juice

 

3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

 

1 fresh jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (or more to taste)

 

 

1. Blend pineapple, bell pepper, onion, lemon juice, cilantro and jalapeño pepper in medium bowl.

 

2. Refrigerate, covered for four to 24 hours, if desired, stirring occasionally.

 

3. Serve with grilled chicken or seafood, or as an appetiser with chips.