Pineapple

Pineapple is also known as Pia, Nanas and Ananas. Pineapple is eaten fresh or canned and is available as a juice or in juice combinations. Pineapples are the only bromeliad fruit in widespread cultivation. Pineapple contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which breaks down protein. Pineapple juice can thus be used as a marinade and tenderizer for meat. Pineapple is a good source of manganese (91 %DV in a 1 cup serving), as well as containing significant amounts of Vitamin C (94 %DV in a 1 cup serving) and Vitamin B1 (8 %DV in a 1 cup serving). Pineapples can ripen after harvest, but require certain temperatures for this process to occur. Pineapple Nutrition FactThe pineapple fruit has vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes that is good for the digestive system and helps in maintaining ideal weight and balanced nutrition. Pineapples are a good source of Vitamin C and can be eaten raw or used in cooking.

Fruit
The pineapple is an example of a multiple fruit: multiple, spirally-arranged flowers along the axis each produce a fleshy fruit that becomes pressed against the fruits of adjacent flowers, forming what appears to be a single fleshy fruit. It's used in desserts, salads, as a compliment to meat dishes and in fruit cocktail. Pineapples are the only bromeliad fruit in widespread cultivation. Pollination is required for seed formation; the presence of seeds negatively affects the quality of the fruit.

Cake
For everyone who loves the flavors of the Caribbean, this festive cake has it all. Two layers of coconut-flavored cake are filled with sweet pineapple curd and topped with creamy coconut frosting, chunks of fresh pineapple and toasted coconut. To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat two 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray. Sift cake flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt into a medium bowl. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 26 to 30 minutes. To prepare frosting & assemble cake: Beat cream cheese, confectioners sugar, extract (or rum) and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Place one cake layer, top-side down, on a cake stand or plate.