Pineapple - Thai Fruit Refreshment

Pineapples are a unique fruit for more than one reason, but it is also considered an exotic and delicious fruit by many, all around the world. Interestingly enough, the unique “look” to the fruits is what led to their name, as European explorers actually thought that the fruits were pinecones when they first sawthem. The pineapple fruit actually consists of multiple edible berries, as well, which also sets it apart from many other fruits out there. As if that wasn’t enough to make the pineapple unique, mathematicians might appreciate the fact that the Fibonacci sequence, which is widely used in everything from music to stock trading, actually occurs naturally in the pineapple.

While the pineapple might not be as widely consumed as the ever-popular apple or orange, they certainly have their place in certain cultures. They are deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, where they even influence local slang (“pineapple rain” is rain that occurs when the sun is out). Although Thailand certainly embraces the pineapple more than most, the countries that produce the most pineapples include Costa Rica, Brazil, and the Philippines. Thailand is actually fourth in the world when it comes to pineapple production.

Pineapple in Thai Culture

Pineapples are one of the most popular fruits in Thai culture, along with watermelons and mangoes, that help give Thai cuisine the exotic flair that it is internationally known for. While there might be more traditional dishes that shy away from incorporating pineapple, the Thai culture has infused pineapple into dishes of all kinds, whether it involves fish, meat, or otherwise. Pineapples are also widely available year-round in the country, while other countries might not have as much access to it, thanks to the fact that the country produces so many. Some could argue that pineapples play a role in the Thai agricultural economy as a result.

There is even a proverb that refers to“eyes like a pineapple”. The idea here is that once one peels back a layer of pineapple, the spine is revealed, and looks somewhat like an “eye”. Pineapples then are representative of the “all-seeing”, and when a mother scolds her child and tells her that she has “many eyes like a pineapple”, one sees how cemented the pineapple is in Thai culture. Similarly, if someone is not observant, or cannot see something obvious, they have “peanut eyes”. This shouldn’t be taken lightly, as both peanuts and pineapples are staples in Thai cuisine.

You might be thinking that this all sounds fine and all, but how exactly do they incorporate pineapple into their food? Well, while you have undoubtedly heard of chicken fried rice, and shrimp fried rice, have you heard of pineapple fried rice? Thailand is famous for this rice dish, which also often also utilizes eggs, onions, garlic, peppers, and other ingredients. Thai also love their seafood, and the Thai shrimp and pineapple curry is also a popular curry from the region. Whether it’s a satay or a dessert, you can often find pineapple involved in foods that you might not expect, thanks to its abundance and status in Thai culture.

Health Benefits

For those who want to still lose calories while on vacation, pineapples can be a great choice because they are low on calories. In addition to this, there are many health benefits that pineapples offer, as well. For those who are on a diet of any kind, consider this: pineapples are low in sodium, while also being fat-free and cholesterol-free!

That isn’t all: there are health benefits with regards to the immune system and digestion, as well. Specifically, pineapples contain a tremendous amount of Vitamin C, which is great for the immune system in general. The fact that pineapples contain a lot of manganese is also great for bone support, as well. The fruit also contains bromelain, which can help with regards to blood clot reduction (although it obviously shouldn’t be used as a “cure”, by any means. Some also believe that bromelain can help with regards to mucus issues in the throat and nose, as well.

Where Can I Find It?

Interestingly enough, more people are talking about pineapples than ever! In 2017, a massive debate about whether pineapples belong on pizzadivided the Internet, and it still rages on today. Pineapples also recently went viral once again, as famous actress Lena Headey took to the Internet to display how to pull apart a pineapple in a way that many have never seen. The Instagram video went viral quickly, but it many have pointed out that Thai locals have consumed the fruit this way for some time now.

Whether you want to make sure that you post your own video with a Thai pineapple, or simply enjoy the sweet and exotic fruit, there are plenty of places to eat pineapples in Thailand. One great place to enjoy them is the Central Food Hall at Central Chidlom. It’s only a 10 minute walk away from the Centre Point Hotel at Chidlom!