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Is canned pineapple better than fresh?

Canned pineapple in juice has roughly 60 percent as much vitamin C as fresh, raw pineapple. Canning pineapple also destroys a key anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain, one of the best benefits of consuming sweet fruit. Bromelain can relieve sinus problems, reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

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When a recipe calls for pineapple, don’t start looking in the canned food aisle! There is a significant difference in the nutritional value of canned versus fresh pineapple. You might prefer the sweet, syrupy juice and convenience of canned pineapple. Or, fresh pineapple might seem intimidating to cut into. Let’s start with the bold print fact. Canned pineapple in juice has roughly 60 percent as much vitamin C as fresh, raw pineapple. Canning pineapple also destroys a key anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain, one of the best benefits of consuming sweet fruit. Bromelain can relieve sinus problems, reduce inflammation and improve digestion. This little enzyme is a powerhouse for fighting off colds and flus. Additionally, temperatures contribute to the difference between the two styles of pineapple. The added heat used during the canning process reduces the amount of vitamin C that is present and plentiful in fresh pineapple. Compare the 28% daily value of canned pineapple with the 60% daily value of fresh and you’ll see a clear winner. In addition to containing a high amount of vitamin C and manganese, fresh pineapple delivers vitamin B and thiamine. Vitamin B is shown to assist with energy levels, metabolizing food into usable energy. When a recipe calls for pineapple, head to your local supermarket and chooses a fresh one. Keep in mind that ripe and ready-to-eat pineapples from Costa Rica and Central America may be green. This is natural and normal to find throughout the year! To make fresh pineapple juice for recipes, check out a great easy way to prep your own rather than reaching for less healthy canned alternatives. Pick out a fresh Chestnut Hill Farms Perfect Pineapple and cut it into small chunks. Add fresh pineapple pieces into a blender with water and sugar, to taste. Blend until smooth. Strain the juice to remove the pulp using a juice strainer. (A regular strainer works fine as long as the mesh is small.) Add more water, if necessary. You want the juice to be smooth, but not thin or runny. Serve over ice with fresh mint leaves and a pineapple wedge. Enjoy the benefits!

Original recipe adapted from Whisk Affair.

Now that you have been informed of the benefits of eating fresh pineapples over canned, give it a try yourself. There are endless recipes that involve fresh pineapple and fresh pineapple juice—or just substitute canned with fresh. You could always slice up fresh pineapple or try out a creative recipe like the perfect pineapple mango bowl. If you’re looking for inspiration for fresh pineapple juice, try some iced pineapple green tea or even a delicious pineapple margarita. Once you make the switch to fresh pineapple with Chestnut Hill Farms, you won’t go back to canned anytime soon!

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Why should I soak raisins?

Dried fruit are simply dehydrated: all moisture removed by exposure to sun, air or their mechanical equivalents. That makes them last long and keep well but any way you look - they are dry. It isn't essential but soaking raisins before adding them to dough or batter makes them nicer, plumper and more flavoursome.

Soaking raisins for baking

Anything is better with raisins - that's the universal baking truth, but I'll go further: soaking raisins makes it even nicer. Dried fruit are simply dehydrated: all moisture removed by exposure to sun, air or their mechanical equivalents. That makes them last long and keep well but any way you look - they are dry. It isn't essential but soaking raisins before adding them to dough or batter makes them nicer, plumper and more flavoursome. I always soak them for tea cakes, hot cross buns or festive breads like panettone, but fruit scones will benefit as well if the fruit is soaked before adding it to the pastry.

How to soak raisins for baking?

Weigh out the required amount of raisins or sultanas, place them in a ziplock bag and add about half a cup of hot liquid. Close the bag and leave them to soak for at least an hour and overnight if you can. Even plain water will make a difference, but fruit juice or liquor works better. The best results, depending of course on your recipe, will be with clear white rum, port (it will colour the dough), sherry or kirsch. After soaking drain the raisins thoroughly or shake off, and additionally rinse if you were using port and dark colour is unwanted.

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