Pineapples

Pineapples are native to the Americas.  They are rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, bromelain and 97 mg of potassium in just one ring.  Bromelain is a protein (yes, veggies are a protein source!) that eases the pain of arthritis by reducing inflamation in joints.  The stem or hard core is the highest concentration of bromelain.  See below for a yummy way to juice the core.  Canned pineapple contains no bromelain.  So buy fresh!  Choose a pineapple by tugging on the top-most leaf.  If it comes out, the pineapple is ripe. 

Pineapple for Dummies:)
To cut a pineapple start by cutting off the top "floret" of leaves.  Place on a small dish in the middle of the table for a tropical centerpiece!  Slice in 1/2 inch rings.  Place one ring on the cutting board and trim the knobby edges off.  For diced pineapple, cut in a grid but remember to throw away the hard core piece in the middle.  For pineapple rings, simply cut the hard core out by drawing a circle around it with a sharp knife.

Pineapple Fluff

1 apple, stem removed
1 pineapple, outer skin removed

Remove the knobby outer skin of the pineapple but keep all the meat including the core.  Cut in "juicer sized" pieces.  Run all meat of one pineapple through the juicer.  Run one apple through juicer.  Drink immediately without straining. 

Grilled Pineapple

1 pineapple
greek yogurt, 1 small tub
1/4 cup hazelnuts, skinned and chopped

Cut pineapple into rings.  Place on hot grill until dark marks appear.
Stir chopped hazelnuts into yogurt.  Place dollop on hot ring.