Interesting Recipes and Fun Facts about Pineapple!

A pineapple has a special nutritional profile, which is not only good for one's overall health but is also good for the economy.

Pineapple facts

• The word "Pineapple" first appeared in print in 1398.
• The first time the word "pineapple" was used in English was in 1398 to refer to the conifer trees' reproductive systems. Because of their resemblance to what is now known as the pine cone, European explorers discovered a prickly tropical fruit that they began to refer to as pineapples (the term was first recorded in that sense in 1664) In 1694, the phrase "pine cone" was first noted, taking the place of the word's original meaning.
• It can take a pineapple up to three years to develop into a plant.
• The fruits of pineapple are only available once it is at full maturity, which could take up to three years. Even so, some plants cultivated as houseplants might not even attempt to blossom or bear fruit. A single plant can only produce one pineapple throughout a given season.
• You finally get one pineapple after all that waiting for it to reach full maturity. A pineapple plant does indeed only bloom and bear fruit once each season.

• A pineapple plant can live for up to 50 years and produce fruit during that time. 50 pineapples in total, then!
• Everything is a ruse. A pineapple is, technically speaking, a collection of separate berries joined to a central stalk. If you want to go specific, pineapples are a type of berry.
• Pineapple offers between 70 and 85 calories per cup.
• The vitamin C in pineapples is beneficial for your immune system.

Some more facts about pineapples

1. Pineapple Discovery - Pineapples were discovered by explorer Christopher Columbus in 1493 on the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe. The fruit is also indigenous to Paraguay and southern Brazil.

2. Pineapples in Early American History - Because they were expensive and rare, pineapples were viewed by early Americans as a special treat.

3. Pineapple Physiology - A pineapple is produced when several blooms connect their fruitlets together around the center.

4. Pineapple Diet - Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, may lessen arthritis pain by reducing inflammation. Additionally, they contain plenty of vitamin C, which supports your immune system.

5. Hawaii's pineapples - Hawaii used to be the world's top pineapple producer and a major supplier of pineapples to the United States. Currently, the Philippines, Brazil, and Costa Rica are the top three producers.

6. Pineapple Choice - Avoid pineapples that smell sour or have visible damage. The freshest fruit is typically from Hawaii or Central America.

7. Pineapple Care - Keep your pineapple at room temperature for one or two days prior to cutting it to make it softer and juicier.

Hawaiian Grilled Pineapple Shrimp Kabobs Recipe

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh minced ginger

1 Tbsp cider or rice vinegar

1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp five-spice powder (optional)

1 tsp dark sesame oil

1 tsp honey

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1-pound large shrimp, peeled (or top sirloin beef)

2 large sweet red peppers, cut into bite-sized pieces

12 pearl onions, fresh (or frozen) and peeled

1 8-ounce package of whole mushrooms, cleaned

2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned in fruit juice, no sugar added)

And vegetable cooking spray

Directions

1. In a zip-top plastic bag with the first eight ingredients combined, add the shrimp. 30 minutes of marinating in the refrigerator

2. Drain the marinade from the shrimp. Bring marinade to a boil in a small saucepan, then reserve for basting.

3. Set the grill to medium-high heat. Use cooking spray to spritz. Metal skewers are used to thread vegetables, pineapple, and shrimp. To avoid scorching on the barbecue, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.

4. Grill the kabobs covered over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until done, baste with the marinade that was set aside.

5. Pour the leftover marinade over the kabobs. Add brown rice to the dish.