At just 82 calories per 1 cup serving, pineapples are America’s number two most popular tropical fruit behind the banana. A good thing since pineapples can supply you with 131% of the daily value of vitamin C, required to build collagen as well as fight free radicals in your body. It’s also a great source of manganese, which plays a key role in energy production and as a powerful antioxidant.
Pineapples, which are in season from March through July, are the only fruits that contain bromelain, an enzyme that’s been touted for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-clotting properties. Studies have found that regular consumption of pineapples helps alleviate things like arthritis and indigestion.
So, the next time you’re jonesing for something sweet, reach for a pineapple. Not only are they fat-free and chock full of nutrients, they’re also delicious raw, grilled, sautéed or broiled, as an accompaniment for meats and vegetables or tossed in salads, smoothies or salsas.
Try our easy Pineapple-Tomato Salsa, which goes great with tortilla chips, tacos and grilled shrimp or fish.
Pineapple-Tomato Salsa
Makes approximately 3.5 cups
- 1/2 firm, ripe pineapple, peeled, cored and diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 small red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1. Prep all ingredients, dicing the pineapple, tomatoes, red onion and jalapeno, then chopping the cilantro.
2. Toss all ingredients together in bowl, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve with chips or tacos, or your seafood of choice.
Lisa is the director of content strategy at Zipongo. Her experiences include editorial and strategy at both start-ups and enterprise companies along with cooking at a top restaurant in NYC.
