Transcript pineapplem
PINEAPPLE PIÑA ANANAS Ananas Comosus Bromeliaceae family HISTORY Originated from South America, (around Paraguay and Southern Brazil) It was then introduced to other parts of South America, followed by it’s travel northward to the Caribbean and eventually even Hawaii It is now cultivated in Southeast Asia, the Americas, and the Philippines Pineapple is now grown across the world (indicated in red) with it’s top produces being the Philippines, Thailand and Costa Rica Most pineapple sold in the USA and Europe today are a hybrid species that was developed in Hawaii in the 1970’s GROWTH AND CULTIVATION Considered a herbaceous perennial Has an average yield of 21 tons/hectare Grow in tropical areas and need approximately 1-1.5m of rain per year Has no soil preference as long as it is slightly acidic (pH 4.5-6) and has good water drainage Very long growing period (18-24 months from when planted) PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS Grow to be between 3 and 6ft tall Each plant can produce as many as 200 flowers varying in colour (reds and purples) Sword-like leaves are thick, succulent, and waxy CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) plant; stomata only open at night gathering CO2 to be converted to organic acids for Calvin cycle during the day MEDICINAL PROPERTIES Contains high levels of bromelain (enzyme that breaks down protein) which can be used as an antiinflammatory and especially useful in treating burns and stings Bromelain should not be taken with blood thinners or ACE inhibitors Pineapple is also used as a herb in treating constipation, jaundice, obesity and ulcer prevention Consuming large amounts of this fruit while pregnant can initiate uterine contractions; also not recommended during breast-feeding Large amounts can also cause stomach distress It is important to note that due to lack of supporting evidence scientists are unable to conclude many of its traditional uses are viable OTHER USES Usually eaten raw as a fruit but also used in salads, candies, syrups, juices and extracts Also widely used as a meat tenderizer and marinade REFERENCES Arthur C. Gibson Pineapple—The Plant That Ate Hawai’i http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economi cbotany/Ananas/index.html Wikipedia Pineapple (2013) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple Gary McMahon Pineapple (2005) http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/File/p/Fruit/FF11_pineappl e.pdf Charles W. Fetrow, Juan R. Avila The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines (2000) (Book) pages 427-428