Salty and sweet were made for each other.
Via @metemgeeblog/Tiktok.com (3)
We’ve all got our favorites when it comes to fruits and veggies. I’ve always been a massive fan of pineapple. That’s why summer truly is the perfect season for my palate! Pineapple upside-down cake and pineapple sheet cake are just a few of my go-to recipes, but sometimes I just like to enjoy it as-is. To me, nothing tastes better after a long, hot day than fresh, juicy pineapple.
So color me interested when I heard about soaking pineapple in salt water, a hack that I definitely had to learn.
Why Should You Wash Pineapple in Salt Water?
Pineapple, along with its many health benefits, has an incredibly distinct taste. Some stay away while others (like me) can’t get enough. The physical effects—a tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth and throat—are a big reason people prefer not to eat this golden fruit. They’re caused by bromelain, a protein in pineapple that breaks down other proteins while it’s active. If the flavor isn’t doing it for you, that odd feeling can be hard to overcome.
That’s why soaking or washing pineapple in salt water is such a great hack. Salt will actually activate the bromelain before it even enters your body, so by the time you eat it, the protein will have gone inactive. This is a produce mistake I’m definitely going to fix.
Here’s How to Do It
TikTok user @metemgeeblog has a simple breakdown on how to salt your pineapple.
@metemgeeblog Do you wash your pineapple with salt before eating? #guyanese🇬🇾 #metemgee #pineapple #peelingapineapple #howto ♬ original sound – Metemgee
Start by cutting pineapple as usual. This includes removing the tough skin and all the eyes. Then spiral-cut it around the core to create lots of surface area. Once that’s done, take a good amount of salt and rub it into every nook and cranny of your pineapple. Then give it a good rinse. The salt should have activated the bromelain protein, so you don’t have to worry about the weird mouthfeel anymore. Finish cutting it as usual and enjoy!
You can also take individual pineapple slices and dip them in a solution of 1 teaspoon kosher salt and about a cup of tap water. It may be a little salty, but it’ll make pineapple’s sweet taste even better.
Next Up: Learn how to clean fruits and veggies.
Try These Pineapple Recipes
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Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, KentuckyGo to Recipe
Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down CakeFor a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
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Pina Colada Grilled Pineapple Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pina Colada Grilled PineappleDuring a cookout with friends, I forgot about dessert. I had a fresh pineapple and coconut, so I improvised. Now I grill pineapple at every cookout. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
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Pineapple-Glazed Chicken ThighsThese juicy chicken thighs taste so rich and delicious with a sweet pineapple-maple glaze. I love that I can reach in my pantry for ingredients and end up with this impressive weeknight meal. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Taste of Home
Caramelized Pineapple SundaesWhenever we get a craving for a tropical escape, this super simple recipe whisks us away in no time. Vanilla's nice but drizzling the sauce over salted caramel ice cream and taking a bite is just pure paradise. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi Pops Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi PopsKiwi, pineapple, sugar and water are all you need to make these easy, breezy freezer pops.—Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Pina Colada DipIf you like pina coladas, you've gotta try this fluffy fruit dip. Scooped up with a slice of fresh pineapple, it tastes just like the beloved beachside drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee Wisconsin
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Taste of Home
Southwestern Pineapple Pork ChopsThis quick entree will instantly transport you to the Southwest. Salsa plays lively counterpoint to the juicy pineapple-sweetened pork chops.—Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
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Taste of Home
Pineapple Pie with Coconut CreamYou’ll find pineapples and coconuts everywhere in the South Pacific, so we play them up in this creamy cool pineapple pie, dolloped with coconut cream. Divine! —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
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Roro's Pineapple CookiesMy memories of Christmas always include my mom's pineapple cookies. The kids called her Roro, and we still make them every year to keep her memory alive. You can substitute your favorite flavor of preserves for the pineapple. —Donna Scarano, East Hanover, New Jersey
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Coconut-Pineapple Rhubarb BarsI make this crunchy, buttery dessert bar with homegrown rhubarb. For an added attraction, serve it warm with frozen yogurt or ice cream. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
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Grill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
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Taste of Home
Banana-Pineapple Cream PiesMy mother gave me this simple and delicious recipe years ago. The recipe makes two pies, so it's perfect for a potluck. I've never met anyone who didn't like it! —Robyn Appenzeller, Portsmouth, Virginia
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Curried Chicken Salad with Pineapple and GrapesThis fun and flavorful beauty turns last night’s cooked chicken into a delightful salad that’s perfect for lunch. —Linda Bevill, Monticello, Arkansas
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Pig Pickin' Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pineapple Orange CakeThis is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
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Brown Sugar Pineapple HamThis pineapple ham glaze is straightforward and simple—just what you're looking for in a holiday main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Pineapple-Coconut SmoothieUse fresh or frozen fruits in this coconutty recipe. It's like a pina colada, but better for you and more versatile. —Gunjan Dudani, Bellevue, Washington
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Pina Colada Tube CakeWe named this a “pina colada” cake because it has coconut, pineapple and rum. It’s a soothing finish at the end of a big spread. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
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Fresh Fruit Salsa Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Fresh Fruit SalsaThis salad has all the bright colors and fresh flavors of summer. —Mary E. Relyea, Canastota, New York.
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Pineapple Upside-Down Muffins Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pineapple Upside-Down MuffinsFor a modern version of upside-down cake, we use pineapple and a sweet batter to make fun muffins with a cherry on top. —Suzeanne Longwill, Ortonville, Michigan
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Scalloped Pineapple Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Scalloped Pineapple CasseroleMy family can't get enough of this sweet and satisfying side dish. This casserole disappears quickly whenever I prepare it.—Judy Howle, Columbus, Mississippi
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Grilled Pineapple with Lime DipServe this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Pina Colada Molded Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pina Colada Molded SaladMy gelatin ring gets a tropical twist from coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. It's a wonderful anytime treat. Now that I'm retired from teaching, I have more time for kitchen experiments. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
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Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pineapple Shrimp Fried RiceMy husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
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Creamy Pineapple Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Creamy Pineapple PieCreamy pineapple pie is a light and refreshing dessert that's quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
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John's Pineapple-Cream Cheese MuffinsWhen I got married, my mother-in-law gave me her recipe for pineapple muffins so I could make them for my husband, John. They’re his favorites—and now they’re mine, too! —Diane Turner, Brunswick, Ohio
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Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-FryI found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Pineapple Upside-Down Muffin CakesA friend submitted this recipe to a cookbook our school district was compiling. The first time I made the cakes, my whole family declared the recipe a winner. Delicious and healthy to boot, they remain a favorite to this day. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
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Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump CakeNo matter the season, this dump cake recipe is wonderful! It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas
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Hot Dog SlidersTurn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can't eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Pineapple Breeze TorteThis lovely torte features ladyfingers, a creamy filling and a crushed pineapple topping. It's a special treat for my large family and a must at Christmas. —Barbara Joyner, Franklin, Virginia
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Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple SalsaYears ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
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Pineapple Cheesecake-Topped Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pineapple Cheesecake-Topped CakeMy brother-in-law asked me to make a cheesecake version of pineapple upside down cake, and after many attempts, I created one. It’s a yummy twist on a classic.—Rebecca Everett, Kansas City, Missouri
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Tropical Cranberry Cobbler Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Tropical Cranberry CobblerThe sunny island flavors of pineapple and orange go so well with the tart cranberries in this dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it a tasty treat. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, MN
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Pina Colada Zucchini Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Pina Colada Zucchini BreadAt my husband's urging, I entered this recipe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show—and won first place! You'll love the cakelike texture and tropical flavors. —Sharon Rydbom, Tipton, Pennsylvania
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Coconut-Pineapple Sherbet Torte Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Coconut-Pineapple Sherbet TorteI made up this torte one afternoon, and when I served it that night, it vanished within minutes. That's when I knew I'd struck gold. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Teriyaki Pineapple Drumsticks Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Teriyaki Pineapple DrumsticksWe have a large family and throw big parties, so I look for ways to free my husband from the grill. Roasted drumsticks keep everyone happy. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
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Taste of Home
Frozen Hawaiian PieCool summer pies are one of Mom's specialties. This version offers pineapple, maraschino cherries and walnuts that are folded into a fluffy filling. It's an easy yet tempting no-bake dessert. —Jennifer Mcquillan, Jacksonville, Florida
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Easy Sweet-and-Sour MeatballsThe already prepared meatballs make this a very easy and quick supper. You can use your own homemade meatballs or store-bought if you're in a pinch. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
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Taste of Home
Cream Cheese-Pineapple PieI've made this pie many times for friends, relatives, guests, church suppers and bazaars, and I'm always getting requests for the recipe. I've lived on farms all my life—we used to have a potato farm on Long Island, and now my son farms his own land and manages mine here in Delaware, growing soybeans and wheat. —Elizabeth Brown, Clayton, Delaware
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Big Kahuna PizzaA prebaked pizza crust and refrigerated barbecued pork make this tasty supper idea super fast and super easy. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and it can double as a great last-minute appetizer, too! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
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Pina Colada Icebox CakeThis icebox cake has all the flavors of a pina colada. It takes just one bite to escape to a tropical island! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
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Pineapple Star CookiesI'm grateful my neighbor gave me this special recipe. When you see the cookies' pretty shape and savor the pineapple filling and sweet frosting, you'll know they're worth the effort. —Sarah Lukaszewicz, Batavia, New York
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Taste of Home
Hawaiian WafflesI created this waffle recipe to recapture the memorable tropical tastes we enjoyed while visiting Hawaii. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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Island Breezes Coffee Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Island Breezes Coffee CakeWith the island flavors, this simple pull-apart bread is perfect for a spring brunch. —Debra Goforth, Newport, Tennessee
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Pineapple-Dijon Pork ChopsI like to dress up pork chops with pineapple, peach or apricot preserves. Whenever I do, I always serve mashed sweet potatoes on the side. Pineapple pork chops and sweet potatoes make a perfect pair. —Jane McMillan, Dania Beach, Florida
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Pineapple OatmealOatmeal for breakfast is a standard item, but I like to mix it up a bit. This version gets some natural sweetness from pinapple juice and tidbits. It is definitely worth trying! —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
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