Pineapples are a favorite all over the world and are one of the most versatile fruits one can think of. From pineapple cake, to pineapple sorbet and pineapple liqueur, there is no limit to the ways in which you can use the tropical fruit. Added to its myriad of uses, is the fact that the fruit is low in calories, has no fat or cholesterol and is an excellent source of many essential nutrients.
How do I calculate a serving of pineapple?
Well this will depend on several things, such as if the pineapple is fresh, pre-packed, frozen or even dried.
A whole pineapple will have multiple servings, so if you intend to feed a family, then this is probably a good option. A serving of freshly peeled and diced pineapple is approximately ½ cup according to the experts. In this ½ cup, there will be about 35 calories, 10 grams of carbs, a gram of dietary fiber and about 7 grams of sugars.
Additionally, a ½-cup serving of fresh diced pineapples will contain 115 milligrams of potassium and almost half the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Potassium is a powerful compound that can help regulate blood pressure and is healthy for the heart.
Sliced Pineapples Serving Size
If you prefer to serve your pineapple in slices, then the equivalent should be about two round slices, each about 3 inches in diameter and about a ½ inch thick. A serving this size contains roughly the same dietary staples.
Dried/Pre-packaged Pineapples Serving Size
Dried or dehydrated pineapples are an option where fresh fruit is not readily available. It must be noted though that a serving of dried pineapple is roughly the equivalent of ¼ cup.
In the case of pre-packaged pineapples, such as canned or frozen, these are usually sold with serving suggestions on the packaging. Pre-packaged pineapples however, may have less nutrients than their fresh counterpart. There may also be a trade off in taste and texture.
