Pineapple is a nutritious fruit with a sweet and tangy taste that delights the senses. However, one minor drawback is that consuming large quantities can leave a tingling sensation in the mouth, which some may find unpleasant.
Why does pineapple cause a tingling sensation in the mouth?
Most people assume that the “culprit” behind the tingling sensation is the pineapple core, unaware that the true culprit is bromelain. This is an enzyme capable of breaking down proteins and the mucous membrane structure in the oral cavity. As a result, consuming pineapple can lead to a tingling sensation in the mouth.
Bromelain is most concentrated in the pineapple core. In fact, it is estimated that the amount of bromelain in the core is 20 times higher than in the flesh of the fruit. This explains why consuming the core can lead to a more intense tingling sensation compared to eating just the fruit.
How to eat pineapple without experiencing the tingling sensation?
Since bromelain is the primary cause of the tingling sensation, addressing this issue involves deactivating this enzyme. There are three common methods that people use to achieve this:
1. Soaking in salted water
If you observe carefully, you’ll notice that some pineapple vendors soak the fruit in glass jars filled with salted water.
Bromelain is sensitive to salt, so soaking pineapple in salted water can help deactivate the enzyme to some extent. However, soaking pineapple in salted water doesn’t always yield the desired results.
Firstly, while salt can deactivate bromelain, it takes time for the salted water to fully penetrate the fruit. This is why the outer part of the pineapple may taste salty, but the inner part still retains its sourness.
Additionally, soaking pineapple for an extended period can affect its taste and texture.
Secondly, if the pineapple is not soaked in boiled and cooled salted water, and if the container is not clean, it can create an environment conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria.
2. Boiling Pineapple
Not many people are aware that bromelain is also sensitive to heat. Notice how dishes made with pineapple, no matter how much you eat, don’t cause the same tingling sensation. So, to counter this effect, you can simply cook the pineapple.
Heat will deactivate bromelain and prevent the invasion of harmful bacteria, allowing you to enjoy pineapple without any worries.
3. Using Baking Soda
Another option is to soak the pineapple in baking soda. Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in boiled and cooled water, then soak the cut pineapple pieces for 3-5 minutes before consuming them.
How to Make Pineapple Taste Sweeter
Step 1: Peel and Chop the Pineapple
Start by peeling the pineapple and removing the “eyes.” Then, cut it into large chunks. You can quarter the pineapple to make the subsequent steps easier.
Step 2: Boil Salted Water
In a pot, add a teaspoon of salt for every 500ml of water. The ratio of salt to water is crucial—too little salt won’t be effective, and too much can affect the taste of the pineapple.
Step 3: Blanch the Pineapple
Place the pineapple chunks in the pot of salted water. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, wait for about a minute before removing the pineapple with a slotted spoon. Let the pineapple chunks drain and cool down before cutting them into smaller pieces.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Blanching the pineapple in salted water helps the salt permeate the fruit more effectively. Compared to soaking, this method is not only more hygienic but also enhances the sweetness of the pineapple. Note that over-blanching can reduce the vitamin content of the fruit, so be mindful of the timing.
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