One of summer’s greatest pleasures is the juicy tang of biting into a fresh pineapple. Whether you’re adorning desserts, mixing up a fruit salad, or simply snatching a piece from a bowl on the counter, the sunny taste of pineapple is one of the most beloved flavors of the season.

Flavor isn’t the only fun thing about pineapple, though. This tropical fruit is a fascinating work of nature that delivers plenty of health benefits, heated debates about pizza, and fascinating fun facts. Read on to learn some of the best trivia about the amazing pineapple and gain a newfound respect for this fun and versatile fruit.

Neither Pine nor Apple

The name “pineapple” is misleading, as pineapples are neither pines nor apples. They’re not even a single fruit. Technically speaking, a pineapple is a cluster of individual berries. As the pineapple grows, the mass of berries fuses to the stalk in the center and grows together to form one whole fruit.

Easy To Plant, Slow To Grow

Have you ever thought about growing your own pineapple? It might be easier than you think. All you need to do is cut off the top part of any whole pineapple, remove the excess fruit from around the base of the leaves, and place those leaves in a glass of water. After a few days, you’ll find small shoots growing out the bottom of the stem. From there, simply plant it in soil and watch it grow.

If your pineapple takes root, you still won’t see any pineapple for a while. Pineapple plants can take up to three years to mature. Once they’re fully mature, they only produce one fruit a year.

Pineapple Can Break Down Proteins

Have you ever felt your mouth start to tingle after eating fresh pineapple? That’s the result of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins. Chewing pineapple releases bromelain, which in turn starts breaking down the proteins in your mouth.

Don’t get too worried about your favorite fruit eating you back, though. The bromelain completely breaks down before it reaches the stomach, making it harmless. In fact, many recipes take advantage of the bromelain in pineapple by using it as a meat tenderizer. If you’ve ever wondered why pineapple glazes and marinades are so popular, here’s your answer.

Make Buying Fresh-Sliced Pineapple Easier Than Ever

With so many fun facts and trivia about pineapple, it’s no wonder why customers love buying fresh pineapple for themselves. If you’re looking for special and convenient ways to sell pineapple at your business, try the Piñabar automatic pineapple cutting machine. Learn more about the ease and efficiency of the Piñabar at Juicernet today.