Lets learn more about different types of food - Part 13 Pineapple - Information and questions for kids

It is a sweet and tasty fruit with a very thick outer layer that you have to cut off. You must also be careful of the leaves at the top of the fruit that is very hard and prickly and can hurt you.

Yes, that's right, we are talking about a pineapple.  Let gather some interesting facts on this fruit.

A pineapple is called a 'tropical fruit' and originally comes from South American in the area close to Brazil.

The pineapple spread throughout South America, the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, where it was cultivated by the Mayas and the Aztecs. Columbus came across the pineapple in 1493 and took it back to Europe. 

Pineapples take a long time to grow - one can take up to 2 years, but they are usually picked before the time.

It is very easy to plant your own pineapple - if you take the top part of the pineapple, you can clean and dry it and plant it in soil and a new plant will grow.  Watch the video for instructions.

The pineapple plant will have more than 200 flowers of different colours like red and purple and the fruits of the flower will all join together to form a pineapple.

You can eat the pineapple in many forms.  It can be eaten after you have peeled off the skin, you can add it to fruit salad or yoghurt, you can use it in cooking and add it on top of a pizza.  You can also drink pineapple juice.  What is your favourite way to eat pineapples?

Most tropical countries sell pineapple on roadsides as a snack either whole or halved. Pineapple juice is also a popular tropical drink and it is the main ingredient in the Piña colada cocktail. 

In most of the factories that processes the pineapples, they will not throw away the core or the leaves or the ends of the pineapple, since these can be used to produce vinegar, animal food and alcohol.

Pineapples has a lot of benefits for your health.  Read here for more information on the uses and benefits.  It is good for you digestion and also a good anti-inflammatory substance.

Watch the video and make sure you understand the moral of the story.  Once you are done, re-tell the story in your own words.

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