How long should pineapples be soaked in salt water before eating?
Feb 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
The primary purpose of soaking pineapple in salt water is to remove the bromelain it contains, an enzyme that may cause oral numbness or irritation, and can also enhance the texture of the pineapple. For fresh pineapples with moderate ripeness where most of the natural flavor is intended to be preserved, simply soak the cut pineapple pieces in a salt solution of approximately 1% concentration for 10–15 minutes.
Pineapple is usually edible after soaking in salt water for 10-30 minutes. The specific time may vary, and it is recommended to consume pineapple in moderation.
The primary purpose of soaking pineapple in salt water is to remove the bromelain it contains. This enzyme may cause oral numbness or irritation and can also enhance the taste of pineapple. For moderately ripe fresh pineapple, where most of its natural flavor is to be preserved, cut pineapple pieces can be soaked in approximately 1% salt water for 10-15 minutes.
For riper pineapples, which contain relatively more bromelain, the soaking time may need to be appropriately extended to ensure sufficient enzyme inhibition. In such cases, soaking for 15-30 minutes may be necessary. Additionally, larger pineapple pieces require more time for salt water penetration, so the soaking time can be slightly prolonged, while smaller pieces can be soaked for a correspondingly shorter time.
When soaking pineapple, ensure the salt water used is clean and free from contamination to avoid cross-contamination with other foods. When consuming pineapple, moderation is important, and prolonged, excessive intake should be avoided. Maintaining a balanced diet in daily meals contributes to overall health.
