Growing Pineapples

GROW YOUR OWN PINEAPPLES

Pineapples are wonderful fruit. Not only are they delicious, but they are also very easy to grow. It is one of the world's most unique and exotic tropical fruits, yet it is possible to grow it in a temperate zone under controlled conditions; with the most difficult part of the process just getting it rooted. They can also make a magnificent plant for you to enjoy, view, and harvest for years to come. Here's how to turn your store-bought pineapple into a thriving plant!

Planting Pineapples

• Buy a healthy pineapple one with a green top that has no bruising or soft spots.
• First, twist the leafy crown from the fruit. Place it in a dry, dark place for a full week to allow the end to harden.
• Put the top in a small bowl filled with about a half inch of water. The bottom of the crown should be submerged, but the water should not touch the leaves.
• Place the bowl in a sunny spot but not in direct sunlight  for two weeks. Change the water every few days.After two or three weeks, the crown should be sprouting roots, meaning it’s ready to be planted. 
• Fill a container that drains with potting soil, and plant the crown.Water your plant from the top, including the leaves, and set it in a sunny window. Keep the soil moist, but take care not to over water.
• Keep your budding pineapple in full sun for a minimum of six hours each day, and keep the room temperature at 60 to 75 degrees 
• When the plant is about 12 months old, it should sprout an unmistakable bright red cone. Replant the pineapple in a bigger pot. The next stage will bring row upon row of bright blue flowers, which open over two weeks. 
• When the petals of the last flower have dried, the fruit begins to develop. When your fruit is six months old, it will ripen, becoming sweeter and turning from green to a rich gold on the inside and outside.

Harvesting And Storage

• When the entire fruit turns yellowish green, it is the right time for the fruit to be picked.
• Smell is another good indicator of the readiness of the fruit. 
• When pineapple is completely ripe, it emits a sweet-n-tangy smell, which can be smelled from a distance. 
• Hold the crown of the pineapple, bend it a little and with help of knife, cut the part that joins the pineapple and the stalk.
• Homegrown pineapples should be eaten fresh as nothing can beat their taste.Since they chill sensitive and cannot be stored in the refrigerator for long periods.

Few Health Benefits Of Pineapples

• Vitamin C-Pineapple is a great source to find a daily dose of Vitamin C. It helps in the formation of collagen, collagen is a protein that grows new skin and blood vessels. The benefit of taking vitamin C is also believed to keep away the common cold.
• Pineapple helps combat Joint pain -Eating a big chunk of pineapple a day, will help keep joint pain at bay. Drinking a glass of pineapple juice a day can alleviate the oncoming signs of arthritis.
• Manganese-Pineapple is a great source of Manganese. Manganese is responsible for bone formation, healing wounds, and keeping skin healthy. It regulates blood sugar levels, and helps with the immune system to fight off disease. Regularly eating pineapple will ensure you're consuming enough manganese in your diet.

Pineapple Creme Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 can (13 1/2 oz) crushed pineapple in its natural juice
• 1 pkg. unflavored gelatin
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• Sliced pineapple, and mint or lemon leaves for garnish

Directions

• Mix half the pineapple with the gelatin in a small saucepan. Let stand 2 minutes.
• Separate the eggs. Combine the yolks with the pineapple and the gelatin. Stir until blended. Cook over moderately high heat until mixture just comes to a boil. Remove from heat. Cool.
• Ad remaining pineapple to mixture.
• Whip egg whites until frothy. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff peaks, like for meringue, are formed. Fold egg whites into cooled pineapple mixture.
• Beat cream until stiff. Fold into pineapple mixture.
• Pour the pineapple creme into 4 dessert dishes. Cover and chill until set, about 4 hours. Garnish with sprigs of mint or lemon leaves and a slice of pineapple.