When I was little I used to think that I didn’t like pineapple. Every time I ate it, it left a lingering tingle on my tongue. Have any of you guys experienced the same thing? It really wasn’t something I enjoyed — but thankfully it was never a serious allergic reaction.
Over the years I continued to occasionally eat pineapple, but still I wasn’t convinced. That all changed when we moved to Mexico two years ago. Still feeling a tad hesitant about that irritating feeling on my tongue, I cautiously ate a slice of pineapple from a fruit plate my hubby had ordered. Let me tell you, my world changed right then and there. This pineapple was so juicy that it felt like an explosion of pineapple juice in my mouth. The texture was tender, not woody or dry whatsoever. It was sweet with no acidic after tones and best of all, there was no tingling sensation on my tongue. Yippee!
I am super lucky to live in a warm tropical part of the World where amazingly flavourful pineapple is available all year round. Do I have to say how often we eat it? It goes on our breakfast plates, it gets blended into juices and smoothies, and we enjoy it as a snack or serve it as dessert. Pineapple is awesome.
If you love pineapple as much as I do, or would like to start eating more pineapple, check out this recipe that I shared on my Spicy Food column. It’s what you see in these pictures. Go on click below to get the recipe for pineapple like you’ve never had it before. Enjoy!
I’ve experienced that tongue-tingling sensation eating pineapple, and it’s really annoying! I think a lot of people think it’s an allergic reaction or blame bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple. The real culprit are raphides, which are calcium oxalate crystals that can be found in many plant species. Raphides are a defense mechanism in plants, probably so herbavores don’t eat the fruit before seeds are viable or eat too much plant tissue in general, which would kill the plant.
I have always thought it was bromeliad — thanks for correcting my error. That’s so great to learn something new, :)
Spicy and sweet…it doesn’t get much better than that, especially with a really ripe pineapple.
Agreed, thanks Karen!