Introduction
Pineapple is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. One popular way to consume pineapple is in juice form. Pineapple juice is naturally sweet and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Many people wonder if fresh pineapple can be juiced at home using a juicer. The short answer is yes, you can absolutely put fresh pineapple in a juicer to make homemade pineapple juice! However, there are some things to keep in mind when juicing fresh pineapple that can help you get the best results.
Can You Juice Fresh Pineapple?
Fresh pineapple can most certainly be juiced in a juicer. Pineapple contains a significant amount of liquid which makes it an ideal candidate for juicing. The flesh and core of fresh pineapple will break down well in a juicer and release all of the nutrient-dense juice.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when juicing fresh pineapple:
It Has a Strong Flavor
Pineapple has a distinct, sweet yet slightly tart flavor. When juicing fresh pineapple, the flavor will be very concentrated in the resulting juice. For some, it may be overpowering to drink straight pineapple juice. Combining pineapple with other fruits and veggies can help mellow out the strong pineapple flavor. Good options to mix with pineapple include oranges, apples, celery, cucumber, lemon and mint.
It Can Foam and Separate
Due to naturally occurring enzymes like bromelain, fresh pineapple juice tends to foam up and separate quickly. The foam is not harmful, but you’ll want to drink the juice soon after making it to enjoy it at its best. The juice will also need to be shaken or stirred before drinking to remix the separated liquid and foam.
It May Need to Be Peeled
The tough, spiky skin of pineapple is not edible and would damage a juicer. So it’s necessary to peel the pineapple before juicing. The easiest way to peel pineapple is to first cut off the top and bottom, stand it upright and slice off the skin in vertical strips around the fruit. Then cut the pineapple into chunks to feed into the juicer.
The Core Is Fibrous
At the center of a pineapple is a fibrous core that runs vertically. This core is not able to be juiced and should be removed before putting pineapple into your juicer. The core can be easily cut out by slicing the pineapple into rounds, then carving out the tough core from each round.
Best Juicers for Pineapple
You can juice pineapple in any centrifugal or masticating juicer. However, some juicers are specifically designed to get the best pineapple juice yield. Here are the best juicer options for pineapple:
Centrifugal Juicers
| Juicer | Features |
|---|---|
| Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus | 850-watt dual speed motor, extra-large 3” feeding chute |
| Mueller Austria Juicer | 1,100 watts, stainless steel blades, large 3” chute |
| Hamilton Beach Juicer Machine | 800 watts, 3” chute, dishwasher-safe parts |
Centrifugal juicers use a high-speed spinning blade to grind fruits and veggies into juice. Models with powerful motors and large feeding chutes are ideal for pineapple because the fruit can be juiced quickly with minimal prep needed.
Masticating Juicers
| Juicer | Features |
|---|---|
| Aicook Slow Masticating Juicer | 150 watt motor, reverse function, juices and purees |
| Muzo Slow Juicer | 200 watt motor, auger system, quiet operation |
| Omega J8006 Masticating Juicer | 80 RPMs, dual stage juicing, 15-year warranty |
Masticating juicers, also known as slow or cold press juicers, crush fruit and vegetables through an auger at lower speeds. This helps minimize heat buildup and oxidation, preserving nutrients and enzymes. Masticating juicers excel at juicing pineapple and extracting the maximum amount of juice.
How to Juice Pineapple
Juicing fresh pineapple is simple with a few easy steps:
1. Prep the pineapple – Top, tail and peel the pineapple. Slice lengthwise to remove the core. Cut pineapple into chunks.
2. Juice the pineapple – Feed pineapple chunks into the juicer, pushing through with the juicer’s plunger. Juice in small batches for highest yield.
3. Mix with other ingredients (optional) – For better flavor, combine pineapple juice with juices like orange, apple or vegetables. Can also add lemon, lime, mint, ginger or herbs. Shake or stir to mix.
4. Drink immediately – Pour into glasses and enjoy pineapple juice right away. The juice will start to separate quickly.
5. Store leftovers – Any unused pineapple juice should go into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Shake before drinking again.
Nutrition Benefits of Pineapple Juice
Juicing pineapple provides a tasty way to enjoy the many health benefits of this tropical fruit. Here are some of the top nutrients found in fresh pineapple juice:
Vitamin C
One cup of pineapple juice provides over 130% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts immunity, helps synthesize collagen and acts as a potent antioxidant in the body.
Manganese
Pineapple juice is high in manganese, a mineral that aids bone health, metabolism, growth and neurological function. One cup offers over 70% of the RDI for manganese.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme naturally found in pineapple stems and fruit. Research shows bromelain has anti-inflammatory, digestive and circulatory benefits. Juicing the core maximizes bromelain levels.
Folate
Also known as vitamin B9, folate is essential for cell growth and development. One cup of pineapple juice provides 12% of the recommended daily folate, aiding in tissue and DNA synthesis.
Potassium
Pineapple juice contains potassium, an electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, nerve signals and blood pressure. A single cup offers 7% of the RDI for potassium.
Potential Downsides of Pineapple Juice
While pineapple juice has many positives, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
High in Natural Sugar
Pineapple juice contains around 20 grams of sugar in one cup, almost all of which comes naturally from the fruit. This can be problematic for anyone with diabetes or blood sugar regulation issues.
May Cause Digestive Issues
The bromelain in pineapple may act as an irritant for some people, causing digestive upset like diarrhea, nausea or stomach cramps when consumed in excess.
Contains Oxalates
People prone to kidney stones should use caution with pineapple juice. It contains oxalate crystals that can contribute to kidney stone formation in those who are susceptible.
Not Suitable for Infants
Pineapple juice is high in acidity and sugars. This can make it difficult for babies under 12 months old to digest. It’s best to avoid giving infants pineapple juice.
Lacks Fiber
Juicing pineapple removes the beneficial fiber content found in fresh fruit. The lack of fiber leads to more rapid sugar absorption and less satiety compared to eating whole pineapple.
Conclusion
Pineapple is a nutritious fruit that can be juiced at home to make a delicious and healthy beverage. Centrifugal and masticating juicers are both suitable options for juicing fresh pineapple effectively. For maximum nutrition and flavor, peel, core and chop the pineapple before putting it through the juicer. Pineapple juice provides benefits like boosting immunity and reducing inflammation but also contains natural sugars and may cause issues for some. Overall, juicing fresh pineapple in moderation can be a tasty way for most people to gain more micronutrients and antioxidants.
