International Pineapple Day – June 27

We wish everyone finds a way to enjoy this refreshing and delicious fruit. As a favorite summer fruit, pineapple deserves a global celebration shared by all.

The world celebrates International Pineapple Day as one of the tastiest fruits on Earth. People use it worldwide daily to add flavor to dishes and desserts. Although often associated with Hawaii, pineapple’s original home is South America. It was first documented in 1463 by Christopher Columbus on the island of Guadeloupe. However, Hawaii remains the largest producer, which is why we often think of it when talking about pineapple. Other countries that cultivate pineapple include Mexico, Thailand, Costa Rica, Honduras, and even China.

From Dubai – Lina Al-Hourani

Pineapples grow close to the ground and have a unique appearance. It is one of the few fruit plants that almost exactly mirrors the shape of the tree it grows from—for example, the leaves have the same shape as the tree’s leaves, and the plant’s base resembles its trunk. Interestingly, a pineapple plant takes about two years to produce fruit.

If you have never tried pineapple before, International Pineapple Day is the perfect time. This tropical fruit is vibrant with a distinctive taste just like its beautiful yellow color. Pineapple is both sweet and tangy, but the bottom part is sweeter and softer.

5 Health Benefits of Pineapple

• Pineapple is low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, iron, and protein.

• It is full of antioxidants that help combat inflammation, diabetes, and heart diseases.

• Contains the digestive enzyme bromelain, known to aid digestion.

• Studies suggest pineapple may help reduce certain types of cancer by stimulating the immune system to produce white blood cells.

• Helps boost the immune system, reducing viral and bacterial infections.

5 Fun Facts About International Pineapple Day

• Pineapple plants can regenerate, meaning they can grow again if properly prepared after harvesting.

• Hawaii produces more than a third of the world’s pineapples, making it the largest producer.

• Pineapple plants grow in clusters of hundreds of small fruits from one stalk.

• Pineapples can ripen faster if turned upside down.

• Botanically, pineapple is actually a berry due to its growth pattern.

Ways to Celebrate International Pineapple Day

Summer offers unique opportunities to experiment and be creative with pineapple. Whether enjoying a pineapple drink or adding pineapple to your dinner menu, it’s sure to be delicious. Here are some ideas:

• Buy a pineapple, cut it, and enjoy it as a snack.

• Try making a quick pineapple upside-down cake from our recipes section.

• Grill pineapple slices.

• Learn about pineapple history dating back to 1463.

Savory Pineapple Recipes

Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken

Marinated and fried chicken pieces with pineapple chunks, topped with thick pineapple juice and ginger-garlic sauce—rivaling the best fast-food restaurants. Served with cooked rice.

Serves: 4

Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts

• 1 can pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos

• ¼ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar

• 2 tbsp honey or agave syrup

• 4 garlic cloves, grated and mashed into a paste

• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger paste

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 3 green onions, sliced diagonally (for garnish)

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Trim fat from chicken and cut into 1.5-inch pieces. Set aside.

2. Drain pineapple juice into a bowl; keep chunks for later.

3. Add soy sauce, sugar, honey, garlic, ginger paste, and sesame oil to the juice and stir.

4. Pour half the marinade into a sealable plastic bag, keep the rest. Add chicken to the bag, seal tightly, refrigerate for 1 hour.

5. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for 5 minutes or as per instructions.

6. Remove chicken from marinade, discard excess marinade, cook chicken in air fryer until no pink remains and juices run clear (about 10 minutes). Add pineapple chunks in the last 2 minutes if desired.

7. Meanwhile, pour reserved marinade into a large pan, whisk in cornstarch until smooth; cook on medium heat until thickened (~5 minutes). Add chicken and pineapple, stir to coat.

8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Pineapple Sriracha Sauce

A refreshing and flavorful sauce with a variety of tastes, even better when chilled. Great with tacos, pulled beef, or surprisingly, with ice cream.

Serves: 5

Preparation time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can pineapple chunks in juice

• 1 tsp vegetable oil for pan

• ½ coarsely chopped yellow onion

• 6 unpeeled garlic cloves

• ¼ cup garlic-hot sauce (like Sriracha)

• 3 tbsp fresh mint leaves

• ¼ tsp salt, or to taste

• ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar

Instructions:

1. Place a strainer over a bowl and drain pineapple chunks, reserving juice.

2. Preheat oven broiler on high, set rack 8 inches from heat source. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil.

3. Spread pineapple chunks and onion and garlic evenly on the sheet.

4. Broil until pineapple tops and onions char slightly (~5 minutes). Let cool to room temp (~15 minutes).

5. Remove garlic cloves, peel, add to blender with pineapple and onions. Add reserved juice, Sriracha, mint, salt, and vinegar. Blend until smooth or thickened to your liking. Adjust seasoning.

6. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Brazilian Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple slices are a favorite side dish in Brazilian steakhouses, perfect with kebabs and steaks.

Serves: 6

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 6 wedges

Instructions:

1. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high heat and oil grate.

2. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.

3. Transfer to a large resealable plastic bag, add pineapple wedges, shake to coat evenly.

4. Grill pineapple until heated through and caramelized, 3-5 minutes per side.