Herbal Teas
Pineapple Juice (Freshly Squeezed Pineapple Juice)
Pineapple Juice is a classic tropical fruit juice made from freshly squeezed pineapple. Pineapple is sweet and slightly sour in taste, neutral (or slightly cool) in nature, entering the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It clears summer heat, quenches thirst, aids digestion, stops diarrhea, tonifies the spleen and stomach, benefits qi and blood, eliminates dampness, and supports beauty and weight management. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice is golden in color, sweet-tart, and refreshing, with a rich tropical aroma. The bromelain in pineapple effectively breaks down protein and promotes digestion, making it especially suitable after meals or after eating greasy meat. Soaking in light salt water reduces the irritation of bromelain on the mouth and enhances sweetness—a natural, healthy drink for all ages.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh pineapple 500g
- Cool boiled water 200-300ml
- Salt 2-3g
- Honey 1-2 tbsp
- Lemon juice a little
- Ice cubes as needed
Steps
Choose one with golden skin, strong aroma, slight give when pressed, and green leaves. Unripe pineapple is sour; overripe pineapple ferments easily. Cut off the top and bottom, remove the skin, and dig out the “eyes” (the dark indented spots). Cut into 2-3cm chunks.
Place pineapple chunks in a bowl, add light salt water (2-3g salt + 500ml cool boiled water), and soak for 15-30 minutes. Note: Light salt water inhibits bromelain activity, reducing mouth irritation and enhancing sweetness. Remove the pineapple chunks, rinse gently with cool boiled water, and drain.
Place pineapple chunks in a blender or high-speed blender, add 200-300ml cool boiled water, and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth. For a clearer juice, strain through a fine sieve; for a thicker texture, leave unstrained. Add 1-2 tbsp honey or a little lemon juice to taste.
Add ice cubes (optional) and drink immediately. Fresh pineapple juice should be consumed within 30 minutes.
TCM Notes
Pineapple: Contains approximately 44-50 kcal, 10-13g carbohydrates, 1.3g dietary fiber, 18-48mg vitamin C, and 0.9mg manganese per 100g. Rich in bromelain, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, copper, and potassium. Bromelain breaks down protein, aids digestion (especially of meat), helps dissolve fibrin and blood clots, improves local blood circulation, and reduces inflammation and edema. The sugar, salt, and enzymes in pineapple have diuretic effects, beneficial for nephritis and hypertension. Light Salt Water: Sodium ions inhibit bromelain activity, reducing mouth irritation while enhancing the perception of sweetness. Honey/Lemon (optional): Honey tonifies the middle and moistens dryness; lemon is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, adjusting sweetness and enhancing antioxidants. Overall: Fresh pineapple juice is relatively low in calories (about 120-150 kcal per 250ml without honey), rich in vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain—a low-fat, high-vitamin natural juice.
Suitable for：Those with indigestion, food stagnation, or after greasy meals Those with summer heat, thirst, and dry mouth Those with edema and difficult urination (pineapple is diuretic) Those with hypertension or nephritis (adjunctive support) Those needing vitamin C and manganese supplementation General population for daily appetite stimulation, digestion, and summer heat relief
Not suitable for：Those allergic to pineapple – bromelain may cause allergic reactions ranging from mouth itching, rash, and diarrhea to breathing difficulty, blood pressure drop, and even anaphylactic shock. First-time consumers should try a small amount. Those with mouth ulcers or dentin hypersensitivity – the acids and bromelain in pineapple may irritate the oral mucosa and dentin, worsening stinging. Those with gastric ulcers, hyperacidity, or GERD – pineapple juice is highly acidic and may irritate the gastric lining, worsening acid reflux and stomach pain. Those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants – bromelain has anti-coagulant effects and may enhance anticoagulant drugs, increasing bleeding risk. Diabetes patients – pineapple is relatively high in sugar, and juicing raises blood sugar quickly; control portion and monitor blood glucose. Those with renal insufficiency – pineapple is relatively high in potassium; control intake under medical guidance. Pregnant women – bromelain may stimulate the uterus; consult a doctor before consuming. Infants and young children – digestive systems are delicate, and pineapple is quite acidic; dilute and try small amounts. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach – may irritate the gastric lining; best consumed after meals. Avoid consuming with milk – bromelain breaks down milk protein, potentially causing a bitter taste and affecting digestion.
