The Vital Trick You Must Do Before Cutting an Ananas (Pineapple)
By Alexander Ross
Many people mistake the sharp stinging sensation caused by fresh pineapple for an allergic reaction. It is actually chemical digestion. Pineapples contain bromelain, a complex mixture of proteolytic enzymes that breaks down proteins on your tongue and inside your cheeks.
Bromelain concentration peaks inside the central woody core and near the skin surface. Neutralizing this enzyme takes minimal culinary effort. Submerge your prepped pieces in a bowl of cold water mixed with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for roughly 3 minutes. The sodium ions inactivate the enzyme's active binding sites without imparting a salty flavor, allowing you to enjoy fresh pineapple without mouth irritation.
Once treated, decide between wedges and rings:
To cut wedges, stand the peeled cylinder upright, split it lengthwise into quarters, and slice down the sharp interior point of each wedge to remove the pale core strip. Slice the remaining quarters crosswise into thick bites.
To cut rings, keep the peeled cylinder intact, cut horizontal discs half an inch thick, and punch out the center of each disc using a small circular pastry cutter or the tip of a paring knife.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
