The health benefits of pineapple, plus how to cut it

Dietitian Caroline Trickey looks at the health benefits of pineapple, plus we show you how to cut, and cook with, this deliciously sweet tropical fruit.

Why pineapple is good for you

Yellow, sweet, with juicy flesh, pineapples are a great source of potassium, which lowers your blood pressure, and vitamin C to boost immunity. They’re also rich in folate, a B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects.

Pineapples are also high in fibre to keep your digestive tract healthy and you regular. Plus, an antioxidant found in pineapple called bromelain eases inflammation and may help arthritis. Next time you have a cough or a sore throat, try a bit of pineapple.  It may help soothe the irritation!

Pineapple has a moderate glycaemic index (GI) of 59 and is 87 per cent water!

How to tell if a pineapple is ripe

Look for firm, plump and heavy pineapples in the supermarket, with a ring of colour that’s just turning yellow around the base. Store the uncut fruit at room temperature, not in the fridge.

Once you’ve cut the pineapple, place the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Add it to kebabs, fruit salad, bake a pineapple upside-down cake, or enjoy on its own!

How to cut up a pineapple

1. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple.

2. Place the flat, cut bottom of the pineapple on a board and slice downwards to remove the rough the skin.

3. Locate the tough core of the pineapple and slice flesh away from the core, using the same downward slicing you used to remove the skin. You should be left with four long pieces.

4. Slice the pieces to make them even, then chop into bite-sized chunks.

5. Store cut pineapple in a lidded container in the fridge.

3 ways with pineapple

Try these three delicious dishes using pineapple.

Tropical coconut smoothie bowl

Seafood and pineapple skewers

Pineapple upside-down cake