Pineapple is more than just a juicy tropical fruit—it’s a symbol of hospitality, a festive favorite, and a versatile ingredient that shines in sweet and savory dishes alike.
Whether it’s fresh, grilled, juiced, or baked, pineapple adds a bright, tangy twist to meals and snacks. Let’s explore why this golden fruit deserves a spot in your kitchen and on your plate.
All the Ways to Enjoy Pineapple
There are so many creative and delicious ways to enjoy pineapple. Here are just a few favorites:
- Grilled pineapple (perfect for BBQs)
- Pineapple-glazed ham (hello, holiday table!)
- Pineapple juice
- Refreshing pineapple mocktails or cocktails
- Easter pineapple bake (a seasonal must-try)
- Pineapple upside down cake (a common favorite)
- Crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits (great in desserts or salads)
- Pineapple rings (classic on burgers or baked goods)
- Pineapple fried rice (sweet, savory, and satisfying)
- Pineapple coleslaw (a crisp, tangy twist)
- Pineapple salsa (amazing with chips or fish)
- Pineapple on pizza (love it or hate it?)
- Pineapple chicken (a flavorful fusion dish)
From traditional recipes to tropical twists, pineapple brings bright flavor and sunny vibes to any dish.
A Fun Fact: What makes pineapple special?
Here’s a surprising bit of food science: pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain—and it can break down protein. As a student dietitian I learned that pineapple contains the bromelain enzyme which you can use to tenderize meat.
When you eat fresh pineapple, bromelain gets to work right away, breaking down proteins in your mouth. That little tingle or soreness you sometimes feel on your tongue after eating a lot of pineapple. Yep, that’s bromelain doing its thing.
But don’t worry, once it reaches your stomach and intestines, bromelain is broken down like any other protein.
Nutrition Spotlight: Why Pineapple Is a Healthy Choice
Pineapple isn’t just tasty, it’s good for you too! It’s part of a colorful and healthy diet, especially when focusing on whole fruits and vegetables.
The USDA’s MyPlate guidelines recommend making half your plate fruits and vegetables. Pineapple is a great way to meet that goal—and so are these other favorites: bananas, apples, citrus, berries, peaches, mango, kiwi, and watermelon.
Nutrition Facts for 1 Cup of Pineapple Chunks:
- Calories: Approximately 82
- Fat/Cholesterol: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Total Sugars: 16 grams
- Naturally rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants
Pineapple is hydrating, low in fat, and naturally sweet, making it a satisfying and healthful snack or recipe addition. (Reference: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide/pineapples )
Growing Pineapple
Pineapple plants are an easy and excellent choice for planting in home landscapes with little open space. Pineapple plants should be planted in full sun for best growth and fruit production. Learn more about growing pineapple in the Florida landscape by reading more from UF/IFAS Extension.
Pineapple – https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/pineapple/
Pineapple growing in the Florida home landscape – https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG055
Food Safety
Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling produce, such as pineapple. Use a separate cutting board for raw and cooked foods. Food safety matters. https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/prevention/index.html
Pineapple in Recipes
Want to try pineapple pork, pineapple rice bake, pineapple chicken, or pineapple zucchini cake? Click on this link below to search this collection of recipes containing pineapple.
https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen/recipes?search=pineapple&f%5B0%5D=usda_program%3A128
Pineapple Trivia
Have you ever heard of this creative and fun recommendation? Be like a pineapple! Stand tall, wear your crown with pride, and be sweet on the inside.
Did you know? There are over 30 different pineapple varieties grown all over the world and are cultivated in over 80 countries. These different varieties show diversity in terms of shape, size, and flavor. Some of the most popular pineapple varieties include Cayenne Pineapples, Red Spanish Pineapples, Queen Pineapples, and Singapore Red Pineapples. (Reference: https://factsforkids.com/pineapple/ )
How long does it take to grow a pineapple? The time from planting to harvest of the fruit ranges from 18 to 36 months. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG055
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping it, grilling it, or tossing it into a salad, pineapple can bring nutrition, fun and sunshine to your table. From its unique enzyme to its impressive nutrient profile, this tropical fruit is as fascinating as it is flavorful.
So, the next time you’re at the store, grab a pineapple and try something new—your taste buds (and maybe even your health) will thank you!
Want to learn more? Check out my blog series.
Beets – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2025/05/20/beets-delicious-beets/
Tomatoes – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2025/05/27/terrific-tomatoes-flavor-nutrition-and-versatility/
An apple a day – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2024/12/13/does-an-apple-a-day-really-keep-the-doctor-away/
Onions – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2024/06/27/onions-onions-onions/
Avocados – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2024/05/01/delicious-avocados/
Bananas – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2024/04/17/go-bananas-on-national-banana-day/
Dietary Fiber – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2023/07/05/dietary-fiber/
Watermelon – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2023/07/05/sweet-and-tasty-watermelon/
Strawberries – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2023/03/27/enjoy-seasonal-strawberries/
Pumpkin – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2022/10/26/celebrate-national-pumpkin-day/
Vitamin C – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2022/05/04/orange-juice-is-one-good-source-of-vitamin-c/
Follow a rainbow for good health – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2022/03/01/follow-the-rainbow-for-good-health-during-nutrition-month/
Star Fruit- A Source of Vitamin C – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2020/01/21/star-fruit-a-source-of-vitamin-c/
Pumpkins – Decoration or food? – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2018/10/22/pumpkins-decoration-or-food/
Mango Season – https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2018/08/10/its-mango-season-in-south-florida/
Brenda Marty Jimenez, MHM, RDN, LDN, FAND is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian with a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Her professional focus areas include disease prevention, nutrition, wellness promotion, and food safety.
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