MORE PINEAPPLE-Y GOODNESS

Are you tossing your pineapple peels and cores in the garbage like I used to do? Now is the time to stop that!

While there are amazing benefits from eating the fruit of the pineapple, there are actually some great reasons for keeping and using the trimmings the next time you cut into one of these luscious fruits.

THINGS I’VE DONE WITH PINEAPPLE SCRAPS

COMPOST — Pineapple trimmings are a good compost ingredient because it contains a high amount of nitrogen which promotes green growth. Pineapple is the perfect choice if you are looking to add nitrogen to your compost pile. Also, the sugar in pineapple helps break down organic material, making it more usable by plants.

CHICKENS — Pineapple scraps can be fed to chickens, in moderation. Pineapple can keep them healthy by boosting their immune system which will help prevent them from getting sick. Additionally, letting your chickens eat pineapple regularly has been shown to help protect against intestinal worms. A disadvantage of feeding your chickens pineapple is that some chickens have a hard time digesting the pineapple and the fiber might end up getting stuck in their crop, especially when they are given too much of it. Moderation is very important – no more than two or three times a week.

PINEAPPLE WATER — As you are cutting up a fresh pineapple put the skin, core and other scraps in a container that has a lid.  Cover with water.  Put on the lid.  Refrigerate overnight. 

The next morning, pour the water through a strainer, into a different container.  This is very tasty!  The water has just a hint of pineapple flavor – a nice change from plain water.

PINEAPPLE PEEL FACIAL — My well water makes my skin really rough and dull. Noticing that my hands become very soft and smooth when I’m trimming and cutting a pineapple, I decided to try it on my face. I simply rub the pineapple side of one of the peels on my face and let it set for five minutes before washing it off.  It makes my face feel smooth and looks refreshed!

OTHER USES FOR PINEAPPLE SCRAPS

I’ve not tried these, but leave a comment if you have:

Pineapple Sun “Tea” — Combine the pineapple skin, core and other scraps in a container that has a lid. Cover the pineapple scraps with water and leave out in the sun for several hours until the water turns yellow. Strain, chill, and drink.  You can add sugar to sweeten it if you wish.

Pineapple Potpourri  —  Cut the pineapple skins into small pieces and dry in the oven or dehydrator.  Add cinnamon sticks and other spices.

Pineapple Peel Tea – For a cooked, spicier version of Pineapple Water, place the scraps in a medium saucepan, add 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks, and let it simmer on low heat for 25 to 35 minutes. Turn the heat off and let this concoction steep for another 25 to 30 minutes. Then strain the peels out.  You can serve it hot or cold and sweetened to taste.

Pineapple Vinegar — click here for a recipe and here for a review or that recipe.

Pineapple Jelly — yes, from the peels! Click HERE to watch a You Tube video to learn how.

Grow another pineapple (or at least a houseplant!) — plant the leafy top of a pineapple to grow a beautiful houseplant. It might even bloom and produce fruit. Follow these directions.

Now we have come to end of our journey learning about pineapple. We know how to cut a pineapple (click here), why we should include it in our diets (click here), and finally, how to use every scrap of the pineapple. It certainly is a useful plant!

The only question now is what are we going to do with this knowledge?