Boas Comidas

Glossário Culinário

Pineapple

Ingrediente

Origem
South America
Também chamado de
ananas

Pineapple is a tropical fruit with juicy flesh, intense aroma and a flavor that balances sweetness and acidity. Widely used in cakes, pavés, pies, juices, fruit salads and roasts with pork, it refreshes desserts and brightens syrups and marinades.

Characteristics

Ripe pineapple has golden skin, a sweet smell at the base and leaves that pull out with a gentle tug. The flesh ranges from pale yellow to golden, and the riper it is, the sweeter and more fragrant. When buying, choose fruits heavy for their size, with no soft spots, mold or fermented smell. At home, the whole fruit keeps in a cool place, and once cut it should go to the refrigerator in a sealed container. To cut, remove crown, base and skin in strips, then remove the eyes and the fibrous core. The natural juice can be used in juices and syrups.

Uses in the kitchen

Pineapple works in pineapple cake, pineapple pavé, coconut pavé with pineapple, pineapple pie, juices, caipirinhas, tropical farofa and roast loin. Grilled or roasted with sugar and cinnamon, it turns caramelized and less acidic. In syrups, cook over low heat until soft before assembling pavés, so it doesn’t release too much water. It pairs with coconut, mint, ginger, lime, sweetened condensed milk, whipped cream and pork. In fruit salads, cut into even cubes for a polished presentation.

Substitutions

In desserts, pineapple can be swapped for mango, homemade canned peach, kiwi or drained canned pineapple, adjusting sugar to the fruit’s sweetness. In juices, passion fruit and cashew fruit give a similar tropical tartness. For farofas and sweet-and-sour roasts, green apple and soaked dried apricots bring contrast, with a different texture. Avoid gelatin with raw pineapple unless cooked first, as the fresh fruit can prevent it from setting.

Fun facts

Cooking pineapple before assembling the pavé keeps it from leaking liquid. Tossing with sugar and resting a few minutes brings out the natural juice. On the grill, thick slices hold up better to the heat. Storing it already diced in portions makes juices and snacks easier. If too tart, roasting or cooking with a little sugar balances the flavor.

Recipes with pineapple

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