As you may or may not know, we’re currently in the middle of a pineapple renaissance. This sweet and tangy fruit is experiencing an unprecedented level of popularity right now, with people going crazy for it and even coming up with new ways to eat it – like grilled pineapple, spiralized pineapple, and even pineapple vodka. But here’s something you probably don’t know about this glorious fruit that’s so hot right now: when left unpeeled and uneaten, raw pineapples will begin to rot from the inside out within 24 hours. That’s because these tropical fruits contain an enzyme called Bromelain that breaks down proteins into sugars when unpeeled.
Why You Should Soak Your Pineapple Before You Eat It
With all the different ways that you can eat pineapple these days, many people just grab a fresh pineapple from the store and eat it as is. Problem is, that pineapple will start to rot within just a few hours of being unpeeled. If you have a pineapple that’s already grown soft and is past its prime, you may have noticed this for yourself. So, to keep your pineapple fresh and delicious for as long as possible, you can use a simple trick – and it’s called the “soaking” method.
When you soak your pineapple in salt water, it will inhibit the enzyme that causes it to rot. This means that the pineapple will stay fresh for much longer than normal. Plus, the salt water will add a bit of flavor to your pineapple when you eat it. So, if you’re looking for a way to preserve the life of your pineapple for as long as possible, then you should consider soaking it in a saltwater bath.
All About the Soaking
When you think about it, it makes total sense that a quick salt water soak would keep your pineapple fresh for longer. It dehydrates the pineapple a little bit, which means that it won’t produce as much sweat as it would otherwise. The saltwater also adds a subtle salty flavor to the pineapple, which will make it taste better when you eat it.
The most important part of the soaking method is that you leave the pineapple unpeeled while you do it. This will not only keep it fresher for longer, but it will also make it much easier to cut. Ideally, you would have your pineapple sit in the salt water overnight, but an hour will do the trick in a pinch. You’ll want to make sure that the water is at room temperature, as cold water will slow down the process.
But Why Would I Want to Do This?
As we’ve seen, the main reason to soak your pineapple is that it will last much longer. With a regular pineapple, you’ll probably get a day or two out of it before it goes bad. But with a pineapple that’s been soaked in water and some salt, you can expect it to last for several days. This means that you can stock up on pineapples, which are great for your health anyway.
Not only is a longer-lasting pineapple better for you but you have more time to eat it before it goes bad. It’s also better for the environment since it means that fewer pineapples are going to be thrown away. And let’s be real, it’s just better all around. Nobody wants to eat a rotten pineapple, so if you can make your fresh fruit last a little bit longer, then you should do it.
Pros of Soaking
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of reasons to soak your pineapple before you eat it. But what are some of the most notable benefits? Well, for starters, a longer-lasting pineapple is a fresher pineapple. That means that it will taste better and it will be more nutritious. If you want to make sure that your pineapple lasts as long as possible, then you can even store it in the fridge. Just make sure that you leave it out for a little while before you eat it so that it warms up a bit. Keeping your pineapple in the fridge will also make it last longer since it’s a cooler environment.
Cons of Soaking
There aren’t many downsides to this method, but there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, you will lose a little bit of flavor when you soak the pineapple. This is because the salt water will absorb a little bit of the pineapple’s juice, which means that it won’t taste as sweet. As we mentioned above, it’s also a good idea to let your pineapple sit out for a few minutes before you eat it. Doing so will let it come up to room temperature, which will make it taste better.
How to Soak Your Pineapple
As we’ve seen, there are a few different steps you can take to make sure that your pineapple lasts longer. If you want to make sure that your pineapple lasts for as long as possible, then make sure that you start with fresh pineapple. Once you’ve bought your pineapple, you’ll want to rinse it off before you do anything else. This is to make sure that the pineapple is clean so that it will be less likely to spoil. After that, you can cut the pineapple in half and then cut each half into slices. From there, you can store the pineapple in the fridge or you can soak it. If you want to soak your pineapple, then you’ll want to fill a bowl with water and add a teaspoon of salt. You’ll then want to soak the pineapple in the bowl for at least an hour. From there, you can eat or store the pineapple in the fridge.
Conclusion
If you love pineapple, then you should give this method a try. Not only will it make your pineapple taste better, but it will also keep it fresh for longer. This article has explored the benefits of soaking your pineapple in salt water and why you should do it. We’ve also talked about all the different benefits of this method, including a longer-lasting pineapple, better flavor, and a fresher pineapple. And most importantly, we’ve also explained how you can do this for yourself at home.
