In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHealth BenefitsPineapple NutritionWhy We Usually Don’t Eat ItHow to Cut ItHow to Enjoy It
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Health Benefits
Pineapple Nutrition
Why We Usually Don’t Eat It
How to Cut It
How to Enjoy It
Pineapples are a juicy, tropical treat that offers morehealth benefitsthan you might think. But one tricky thing about pineapples is cutting out the core, which many people discard after removing. But don’t let their fibrous nature fool you: Pineapple cores are actually edible and filled with nutrients. Here’s everything you need to know about pineapple cores.
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How to Cut a Pineapple
Is It Safe to Eat the Core of a Pineapple?
Yes! It is safe to eat the core of a pineapple. Although it is less juicy and slightly more bitter compared to the flesh that surrounds it, there is nothing unsafe about eating a pineapple core.
Health Benefits of Pineapple Core
Just like the flesh, the pineapple core is filled with nutrients that boast potential health benefits.
Fiber
Add pineapple core to your list of easy ways to eat more fiber. Among other benefits, a high-fiber diet can help control blood sugar levels, maintain bowel health and lower cholesterol levels.
Bromelain
A group of enzymes, collectively referred to as bromelain, can be found in the fruit and stem of the pineapple plant, with especially high concentrations in the core.Preliminary researchhas shown that bromelain can be beneficial for reducing pain or swelling, even after injury. A February 2015 research paper published in theIndonesian Biomedical Journalnotes that macerating the pineapple core produced high concentrations of bromelain, which helps break down protein in the digestive tract and even has anti-inflammatory properties.
Vitamin C
Oranges aren’t the only way toget your vitamin C; pineapple cores are packed with this antioxidant as well. Per theNational Institutes of Health, vitamin C is needed to make collagen in the body and can improve the absorption of iron in addition to its immune-boosting properties.
According to theUSDA, 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks contain:
Why We Usually Don’t Eat the Core of Pineapple
The core isn’t always appealing because it is harder and more fibrous than the other pineapple flesh you know and love. But times might be changing!
“We have been seeing a growing interest in consuming parts of foods that are traditionally thrown away or composted,” says William Goldfield, director of corporate communications atDole. “From pineapple cores to banana peels, it makes a lot of sense nutritionally to consume these foods because they are made up of the same nutrients as the flesh, and in some cases, like the skin, antioxidants are highly concentrated.”
How to Cut Out the Pineapple Core
You can cut a pineapple easily with a sharp knife and cutting board in just a few steps:
Whether you’re feeling uneasy about your knife skills or want to leave the fruit mostly intact with just the core removed from the center, our editors lovethis stainless-steel corer, which can make your core removal even easier.
How to Prepare or Cook Pineapple Core
Or, after boiling, cut up the newly softened core and puree it. Add the homemade puree to your favorite pineapple smoothie recipe or even to a refreshing piña colada. You could even skip boiling—and instead throw the core on the grill until it softens up, for a sweet and smoky addition to your next backyard barbecue.
Try using the prepared core in theseProsciutto-Wrapped Pineapple Bitesfor a sweet-and-salty appetizer that will please a crowd, or sub it into this recipe forEasy Pineapple Coleslawand enjoy a fresh take on a traditional slaw.
The Bottom Line
It’s time to start eating more of the pineapple. Not only is the core tasty, but it’s good for you, and using it means you create less food waste. Shredding, boiling or grilling are all great options to make the fruit’s core more palatable and enjoyable.
23 Recipes That Use Pineapple Juice
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