PINEAPPLE | Introduction | TFNet | International Tropical Fruits

Pineapple is cultivated predominantly for its fruit that is consumed fresh or as canned fruit and juice. Pineapple is the only source of bromelain, a complex proteolytic enzyme used in the pharmaceutical market and as a meat-tenderising agent. The stems and leaves of pineapple plant are also a source of fibre that is white, creamy and lustrous as silk. Pineapple fibre has been processed into paper with remarkable qualities of thinness, smoothness and pliability. Parts of the plant are used for silage and hay for cattle feed. Processing wastes in the form of shell, core materials and centrifuged solids from juice production are also used as animal feed. Alcoholic beverages can also be made from juice.