#PINEAPPLEDAY
June 27th is International Pineapple Day on the National Day Calendar and we want everyone to find a way to enjoy this refreshingly, sweet fruit. A summertime favorite worth sharing with everyone!
International Pineapple Day celebrates the pineapple as one of the most delicious fruits on the planet. People around the world use pineapple as additional flavor to dishes and desserts every day. Though the fruit is often associated with Hawaii, the fruit is actually native to South America. In fact, pineapple was first documented in 1463 by Christopher Columbus on the island of Guadeloupe. However, Hawaii is the biggest producer of pineapples, which is why we think of them when thinking of pineapple. Other countries that grow pineapple are Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, Honduras, and even China.
5 Fun Facts On International Pineapple Day
- A pineapple tree can regenerate, meaning it will regrow if it is prepped properly after the first picking.
- Hawaii produces over 1/3 of all pineapples in the world, making them the largest producer.
- Pineapples grow in clusters of hundreds of fruitlets from one stalk location.
- A pineapple can ripen faster if it is upside down.
- Pineapples are really berries because of their growing patterns.
5 Health Benefits of Pineapple
- Pineapples are low in calories and provide amazing nutrients, such as vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and protein.
- As a rich in nutrients fruit, pineapples are loaded with antioxidants to help fight inflammation, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Because pineapples contain a digestive enzyme called bromelain, they are known to ease digestion.
- Studies show pineapples may help reduce certain kinds of cancers by stimulating the immune system to produce white blood cells.
- Eating pineapple helps boost the immune system, lowering both viral and bacterial infections.
Family Favorite Recipe
This has been a Barrera family favorite for as long as I can remember, and we call em Hawaiin Pile-Ups! It’s a super simple “pile-up” of fresh ingredients, that make for a quick, yummy meal! The perfect recipe for International Pineapple Day, maybe paired with your favorite pineapple cocktail or mocktail!
All you need is:
- white rice
- shredded chicken in chicken gravy
- shredded cheese
- sliced black olives
- diced tomatoes
- diced green onions
- diced bell pepper
- diced celery
- crunchy chow mein noodles
- coconut shreds
- and of course pineapple tidbits
Pile em up as you please and savor the goodness, then be sure to let us know how you like them! 🍍
Whether you’re enjoying a Hawaiian Pile-Up, or toasting with a Pineapple Cocktail, give some pineapple a little extra love today in celebration of International Pineapple Day! Cheers!
