pineapple ( nanasi)

I would describe a pineapple with a prickly peel that hides a powerful fruit. Covered in a scaly skin that may be yellow to reddish-brown to greenish-brown, it is juicy, fragrant flesh that ranges from nearly white to yellow.

Pineapples are grown on a plant that is technically a herb with large, waxy, pointed leaves. Each pineapple is a compound of small individual fruits called ''eyes'' merged into one large fruit. Its name comes from the Spanish pina because Spanish explorers thought it resembled a pine cone. It is loaded with vitamin C and manganese, it also provides fiber, copper, potassium, magnesium, and several B vitamins.

The flesh and stems of fresh pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain that helps break down protein. This makes it an effective meat tenderizer- and useful digestive aid. Other benefits help maintain regularity and relieve constipation. It helps treat and prevent diarrhea. Another factor is that bromelain may pick up the slack for people with celiac disease, helping them digest food and giving their digestive system time to heal.

Let's not forget that vitamin C in the fruit helps battling colds.

Besides eating pineapple raw, you can enjoy it cooked, grilled, broiled, sauteed, or baked goods.

NB: Do not mix fresh pineapple with gelatin because the enzyme bromelain prevents it from setting. Boiled or canned pineapple will work because heat breaks down bromelain. It helps tenderize meat or poultry, so consider using fresh pineapple in marinades.

When buying pineapples, look for fresh, green leaves and no soft or brown spots. The fruit should be plump, heavy for its size, slightly soft to the touch. A trick is to tap it lightly with the palm of your hand. If t sounds muffled, it means it is ripe; if it sounds hollow, it may be dried out.

If you buy a pineapple at room temperature, keep it at room temperature. If bought chilled, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to three days. You can also freeze it; just peel it, cut into chunks and freeze. Once frozen, store in an airtight container.