Uses for Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is a popular ingredient and beverage used in various cultures around the world. Indigenous to southern Brazil and Paraguay, the fruit found its way into Asian and European culinary and medicinal use through the advance of trade and exploration. The juice today is used in countless recipes, beverages and even for the relief of various ailments.
Types
Pineapple juice can either be made fresh or purchased bottled or canned. As is the case in most fresh versus processed debates, fresh is usually better both in taste and for health benefits. Commercial electric juicers are popular tools for making fresh juice. An alternative method is to crush the fruit of a pineapple in a food processor or blender with water and then strain with a sieve. The juice can then be used for culinary purposes, or sweetened and enjoyed as a beverage.
Culinary Uses
In many world cuisines--most prominently in Asian, South American and Pacific Island cuisine--pineapple juice is used for both sweet and savory dishes. Pineapple juice, fresh or canned, is both sweet and acidic, and therefore can be used in dishes such as curries, fried rices, marinades for poultry, meats and fish, popsicles, sorbets, ice creams, smoothies and in fruit salads. The culinary uses are endless; though as a marinade for meat or poultry, it should not rest on the meat for longer than an hour, as pineapple juice contains the acidic chemical known as bromelain, which breaks down protein structures. For a tough piece of meat, pineapples juice is a great tenderizer.
Medicinal Uses
In holistic and herbal medicine, pineapple juice has been used as a remedy for many ailments for centuries. The acidity in the juice is used to bring about perspiration, and so it is often used as a fever reducer. Pineapple juice is often used to help relieve the discomfort of indigestion and stomach cramping, as the enzyme bromelain breaks down proteins and facilitates digestion.
Externally, pineapple juice can also be used to soothe dry skin and calluses. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, and is used for the relief of tired muscles, achy joints and sore throats.
Beverages
Freshly pressed pineapple juice is a delicious alternative to the morning class of OJ. However, the most common use of pineapple juice is as a component of tropical alcoholic beverages, such as the Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Sex on the Beach and dozens of others. Popular brands include Dole del Monte and Ocean Spray.
Catalyst for Labor
A popular medicinal belief is the drinking of pineapple juice to induce labor in late stages of pregnancy. As aforementioned, the enzyme bromelain found in pineapple juice is used as an anti-inflammatory, but it is to act as a prostoglandin (as is mango, papaya and sperm), which softens the connective tissues in the cervix, causing the uterus to contract, and thus initiate labor. However, in order for to be used to induce labor, it must be consumed fresh, as the enzymes are destroyed during canning and processing.
Tags: juice used, pineapple juice, pineapple juice, also believed, both sweet, breaks down, enzyme bromelain
