Pineapple Facts

Learn fun pineapple facts and general information about pineapples. This page includes how pineapples grow, how to choose and store them, nutrition facts, and easy pineapple recipe ideas.

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Fun Pineapple Facts

Pineapples grow in tropical areas with lots of sun.
They grow in the center of a spiky plant.
Pineapples can take about 18 months to grow.
You can use pineapple in sweet and savory recipes.
Pineapple is rich in vitamin C.

How Pineapple Grows, Buying Tips, and Storage

Pineapple Is Available

Pineapple is available year round.

How Does Pineapple Grow?

Pineapples grow in tropical areas because they like a lot of sun. They grow in the center of a cactus-like plant among the spiky leaves and can take about 18 months to grow.

Try Growing a Pineapple Top

Cut off the top of a pineapple with adult help.
Let it dry out for several days.
Plant it in soil.
Watch to see if it begins to grow.

Pineapples do not like too much water and prefer warmth.

What to Look for When Buying Pineapple

Pineapples should smell sweet. Choose pineapples that are plump and not soft.

Pineapple Storage Tips

Store uncut pineapple at room temperature and cut pineapple in the refrigerator.

Kid Tip: Ask an adult to help cut pineapple because the outside is tough and spiky.

How to Cook with Pineapple

How to Use Pineapple

Cut off the outer skin and remove the core with adult help.
Slice or chop the pineapple into pieces.
Use pineapple in marinades, salads, baked dishes, grilled recipes, smoothies, or desserts.

Cooking Tip: Pineapple juice can add sweet-tart flavor to marinades and sauces.

Fresh Pineapple vs. Canned Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is juicy, firm, and great for cutting into chunks or grilling.

Canned pineapple is convenient and easy to use in salads and cooked recipes.

Both can work well in recipes depending on what you have available.

Food Science: Why Pineapple Feels Juicy and Sweet

Why Is Pineapple So Juicy?

Pineapple holds a lot of juice inside its fruit. When ripe, it tastes sweet and tart at the same time.

That juicy texture is one reason pineapple works well in drinks, fruit bowls, and cooked dishes.

Mini Activity

Pineapple Texture Check

Look at the rough outside of a pineapple.
Compare it to the juicy fruit inside.
Talk about how the outside protects the fruit.
Name other fruits that have a very different outside and inside.

This activity helps kids notice texture and structure in fruits.

Pineapple Nutrition Facts

Pineapple is high in vitamin C. It also contains manganese, B vitamins, and fiber.

Pineapple contains vitamin C.
It also provides manganese.
Pineapple contains B vitamins.
It includes fiber too.

More Food Fact Resources

Pineapple Recipes

Sweet and Sour Pork

A sweet and savory pork recipe made with pineapple chunks, peppers, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and rice.

Category: Main Dish
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Yield: Varies

Ingredients

1 lb boneless pork, cut into cubes
1/4 cup vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
2 to 3 cups rice
1 large can pineapple chunks or 1 fresh pineapple cut into chunks
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
Green pepper, cut in chunks

Directions

Brown pork in oil in a skillet.
If using canned pineapple, drain the pineapple and reserve the liquid.
Add the pineapple liquid, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and sugar to the pork and stir.
Bring to a boil and add peppers.
Reduce heat and cook covered for 15 minutes.
Stir in pineapple chunks and serve with rice.

Serving Tip: This recipe mixes sweet pineapple with savory pork for a fun flavor contrast.