Pineapple
A multiple fruit: each scale is a flower turned into a berry.
- Season: all year round
- Peak season: March, April
- Botanical family: Bromeliaceae
History
Native to South America (Brazil, Paraguay), the pineapple was discovered by Christopher Columbus in Guadeloupe in 1493. A luxury fruit in Europe, it was grown in hothouses: the first French pineapple is said to have been harvested at Versailles for Louis XV in 1733.
Origin and growing regions
Pineapples sold in France come mainly from Central America, and also from Réunion Island:
- Costa Rica
- Réunion
- Ivory Coast
The small, very fragrant Victoria pineapple from Réunion is highly sought after.
Benefits
The pineapple is exotic and easy to digest:
- Bromelain: An enzyme that helps digest proteins.
- Vitamin C: Present in good amounts.
- Manganese: A trace element it is rich in.
- Moderate energy: About 50 kcal per 100 g.
Varieties
- Victoria: Small and very sweet, from Réunion.
- MD2 (Extra Sweet): Golden and not very acidic, the best seller.
- Smooth Cayenne: Big and juicy.
- Queen: Small and very fragrant.
Zero waste
- Storing: Whole, at room temperature: 3 to 5 days. Cut, in the fridge: 3 days.
- Freezing: In pieces: up to 6 months.
- Nothing goes to waste: The skin and core make a fermented drink (tepache) or an infusion. The crown can be replanted in a pot.