I came up with this idea a while back when researching what foods aid in reducing swelling. I discovered that pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain which is an anti-inflammatory agent. People believe that it can aid in everything from asthma to cellulite. I'm not going to hop on the alternative medicine soapbox here (as I'm not an expert and don't claim to be) but I do believe food should be our first source for nutrients. I think we jump to "pills" before looking at our diet. So instead of buying Bromelain supplements I researched a bit and found that a majority of Bromelain is found in the core of a pineapple.
I always knew the pineapple core was editable but it's way to hard/chewy for me. I always just threw it away. Which I was never a fan of doing because it seemed like such a waste. It just never occured to me to think of a way to use it until reading about the Bromelain.
Alright this is becoming a very wordy introduction to a very simple idea. Instead of ditching the pineapple core of your next fresh pineapple try this idea to make it into a simple tasty smoothie! The core has an awesome pineapple flavor and a thick almost gritty texture when blended.
You don't buy fresh pineapple cause you don't know how to cut it, you say. Ahhh I have a video for you! ;~P
Here's what the toddler and I did this morning. As you can see.. he liked it! 🙂
- 1 small-medium naval orange peeled
- ½ medium banana
- ½ of a pineapple core sliced
- 2 ice cubes
Separate the orange into sections and pulverize in the blender alone. This will give you a liquid base.
Slice the pineapple core to help it blend easier.
Add the banana and pineapple core to the blender . Blend until smooth. Add the ice cubes and blend again.
Drink away! 🙂
Here's the toddler waiting patiently and then enjoying (my favorite picture of all time!) 🙂
| Servings | Amt per Serving | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entire Recipe | |||
| Calories | Fat | Fiber | WWPs | |
| 150 | 0g | 5g | old: 2 | new: 4 |
| Sugar | Sat Fat | Carbs | Protein | |
| 25g | 0g | 38g | 2g | |
I went to my supermarket produce section and spoke to the person who cuts the pineapple and packages it for sale. He said that the cores just go to compost and was willing to sell them to me very cheaply (49 cents/lb).
It's almost thanksgiving and here's a newly written turkey song. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving Turkey Song - Ben Lovenheim - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvIFDhZ3Ejw
Just thought I would pass on another use for the pineapple core: I julienne the core and saute it and add it to my stir-fry dishes. the sweetness and crunch add pleasure to the dish. Thanks for the info on bromelain.
My husband is a diabetic and natural meds are best!
Pineapples are awesome... good stuff!
I finally got a chance to make this today. Yum! I didn't have any banana on hand, so mine is just the core, a cutie orange and some ice. Love my Magic Bullet! Thanks for posting this. It's very fresh and light tasting.
Yum!!! I tried this yesterday and it was really good. It was a little bit to "banana-y" for me, so when I made it today I zested the orange into the blender before I peeled it and it gave it a bit more of an orange flavor that I loved!
I'm so glad you said that about food being our first source of nutrients. Somehow I don't think a diet of brownies and cheeseburgers supplemented with a multi-vitamin is the way to go. 🙂
Great idea - and I also have a magic bullet blender which I love. IT is so versatile.
That is a great idea ... and I see a Magic Bullet blender cup! 😀 (Love mine!)
Totally off topic, but I'm diggin' his Scooby Do band-aid 🙂
I never thought about keeping the core. Now I have something to try it with. Thanks for the ideas. Keep them coming. BTW, do you have any ideas for making corndogs? The toddler loves them and that is what he has been eating now for the past weeks.
Thanks!
What a great idea! I always just throw the core out, but no more! Thanks!
I always just eat the core. I like chewy stuff. The color on that smoothie is gorgeous! And my fave pic of Ryan is the lower left....I *love* that sly grin. Adorable!
I always gave the core to the dogs (they love when the pineapple comes out of the fridge), but no more. Sorry puppies, hehe. Thanks for the info and the recipe!
lol I always just eat the core, since I don't mind the extra chewy-ness 🙂 The smoothie sounds good though! And now that I have a magic bullet too, I make smoothies much more often. Thanks for the idea!
How clever are you?! I had never thought to use the pineapple core in a smoothie! I always just end up tossing it...now I'm going to have to try this!