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Pineapples are complicated .
The Ananas comosus is neither a true pine nor an apple but got its name because of the rough , pine cone - comparable exterior and sweet , juicy inside . Because of its tangy , acidulous feeling , some people wonder if pineapple is considered a citrus fruit yield . It is not , and unlike true pine , apple , and citrous fruit , it does n’t grow on a tree diagram . Although pineapples are nearly synonymous with Hawaii , they have only been tame there late .
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Is pineapple a citrus?
Pineapple , Ananas comosus , is a member of the botanical family Bromeliaceae ( Bromeliads ) . Oranges , lemons , grapefruits , and limes are members of the Citrus genus , which is in the Rutaceae ( Rue ) family . Both pineapples and citrus produce gamey fruits that are get laid for mellow level of vitamin carbon , but botanically they are unrelated .
Pineapple is abromeliadindigenous to South America , where it has been domesticate for century . Christopher Columbus brought pineapples to Europe after finding them on the island of Guadalupe during his 2nd voyage in 1493 . Although the sweet , juicy yield was an prompt sense impression , it would take more than a one C before Old World horticulturists would unlock the secrets of growing it . today many gardeners deliberate pineapple plant to be one of the easiest tropic fruits you’re able to grow .
Choosing the perfectly ripe pineapple
As you check off out the green groceries section in your local grocery store , it can be unmanageable to know which pineapple is ripe . front for plump , sweet - appear fruit with salubrious , green leaf and a sensationalistic - green shell exterior . The body should be firm , with a slight bit of softness when squeezed . It should be heavy relation to its size . Ripe yield acquire a mellisonant smell at the base — not “ no tone ” and not a fermented aroma .
Pineapples propose an amazing flavor visibility that lends itself to a huge diversity of dish . It can be used sassy , frozen , dry , juiced , or cooked . The natural sweetness tot to desserts and accent savory dishes . The succus help to tender meats while imparting a fat depth of flavour when used in marinades .
Health benefits of pineapples
ananas back up a healthy diet by providing a wealthiness of vitamin and minerals . They are specially eminent in vitamin C and manganese . They are also a good informant of antioxidant that may avail reduce the risk of chronic disease , including middle disease , diabetes , and Crab . They contain the enzyme compound bromelain , which aids digestion of protein . And , pineapple also boast anti - incitive and granting immunity - encourage prop .
Bromelain is an enzyme excerption of various parts of the pineapple plant . In pill and tablet form it is classify as a dietary supplement in the United States . It has also been used for topical creams . cogitation have evoke that bromelain may leave some relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis , cardiovascular disease , asthma , chronic sinusitis , inflammatory bowel disease , Robert Burns , and cancer . But the concentrated form of bromelain thins the blood and has been tie to supersensitised reaction in some allergy sufferers . Be trusted to consult your Dr. before taking this or any supplement .
Grow pineapples at home
Although they are conform to develop in the tropics , pineapples are fun to grow as indoor / outdoor family plant in temperate climates . They postulate a cheery location and temperature ranging from 75 ° to 90 ° F . The soft manner for gardeners to commence grow them is by either purchasing a plant from a local nursery ( they may be seasonally available ) , or by root out the leafy jacket of a grocery store pineapple .
To rootle a pineapple crown , choose a ripe fruit with healthy dark-green foliage . Grasp the crown near where it attaches to the body of the yield and twist it off . withdraw the lower two inches of leaves and then allow the top to dry out out for two day . localise the base of the crest in a glass or jolt of warm water with only the leafless part submerged . Keep it in a tender location with smart , indirect light , changing the weewee every two or three days . Roots will start to develop in one to two weeks . When the roots are about three inch long , found it in a three gallon container . Two months after potting up the plant , move it to direct sunshine .
With proper care and some luck , your pineapple may fruit 18 to 24 month after propagation . Maintain maximal sunlight exposure and warm temperatures year - pear-shaped . allow for reproducible moisture , allowing the potting commixture to dry at the surface between lachrymation . When new foliage commence to emerge , come out feeding weekly with half - strength liquid 20 - 20 - 20 fertiliser , applied as a foliar atomiser .
Meanwhile , if you ’re interested in learn aboutfruits with citric acid – Ananas comosus being one of them – just study on further !
