Did you know that Costa Rica is the world’s top pineapple producer? Roughly 111,200 acres of the country is devoted entirely to pineapple plantations and over 100,000 jobs in Costa Rica are created, directly and indirectly, by this world-favored tropical fruit. Almost three million tons of pineapple are harvested and sold domestically and internationally every year from Costa Rica.
The golden pineapple, the type grown in Costa Rica, is one of the sweetest of the 37 varieties of pineapple. The flavor embodies the tropics and even has a slight coconut essence to it. A bite of fresh pineapple straight from the source is like biting into a piña colada!
Pineapple is sold in nearly every farmer’s market, roadside stand, family-owned grocery store, and food store chain in Costa Rica. It is one of Costa Rica’s most prized and widely consumed and exported fruits.
Aside from being intoxicatingly delicious, pineapple is also rich in nutrients that can greatly benefit your health and wellbeing. As if the taste alone isn’t enough to motivate you to indulge in this tropical treat, here are 10 ways that consuming pineapple is beneficial to your health.
- Reduces inflammation (inflammation is the root of most chronic diseases)
- Strengthens the immune system (super high in vitamin C)
- Decreases your risk of heart disease
- Aids in digestion
- Promotes collagen production (hello, beautiful skin!)
- Supports oral health
- Prevents certain types of cancer (mouth, throat, and breast)
- Improves circulation (increase in cognitive abilities and decrease in risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease)
- Regulates blood pressure
- Boosts bone health
In just one cup of pineapple there are:
- Calories: 82.5
- Fat: 7 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 6 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 131% of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake)
- Manganese: 76% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDI
- Copper: 9% of the RDI
- Thiamin: 9% of the RDI
- Folate: 7% of the RDI
- Potassium: 5% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
- Niacin: 4% of the RDI
- Pantothenic acid: 4% of the RDI
- Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI
- Iron: 3% of the RDI
Pineapple is quite extraordinary in a smoothie or a rum cocktail. The RipJack Inn smoothie bar and cocktail bar has a great selection of smoothies and cocktails that feature this delectable fruit.
Try these pineapple beverages at the RipJack Inn Restaurant:
Clockwork Orange smoothie: pineapple, carrots, celery, and apples
Basil Bomb smoothie: pineapple, basil, celery, and orange juice
Beet Blast smoothie: pineapple, beet, celery, ginger, and lime
Go Green smoothie: pineapple, spinach, cucumber, flaxseed, and moringa
Piña Colada: pineapple, coconut, and rum
Rum Punch: pineapple, mixed fruit juices, and dark rum
*You can also get creative and create your own pineapple concoction that can be whipped up on the spot for you.
One of the best things you can do for your body is to eat REAL food that comes from the earth. One of the best things that you can do for the local economy and the environment is to eat locally produced food. Costa Rica sure makes it easy and delicious to do both!
