Why Does Pineapple Sting Your Tongue? And How to Stop It!

While the pineapple’s sweet, tangy taste and numerous health benefits make it a favorite for many people, there have been multiple reports from people who had mouth sores and a stinging sensation on their tongues after eating them.

So, what exactly causes the mouth to hurt and the tongue to sting after consuming a pineapple?

Bromelain, an enzyme that can break down proteins, causes a burning sensation after eating too many pineapple pieces.

The enzyme dissolves the protein coating on the surface of your tongue, causing a burning sensation despite the tongue’s ability to add new proteins quickly.

Here’s how to eat pineapple to enjoy it without the pain.

First, peel the pineapple and soak it in a mild salt water solution for 10 minutes. This will reduce the amount of bromelain enzyme in the pineapple.

You can also try soaking pineapple in salt water, which helps decrease the concentration of bromelain enzyme in the pineapple.

People enjoy eating pineapples despite the discomfort not only for their sweet, tangy taste but also for their rich nutrients such as vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, folic acid, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, among many other minerals.

Pineapple supplies nutrients to the skin, delaying wrinkles and aging and brightening and improving the skin’s complexion.

Pineapple is highly versatile and can be cooked into various dishes, such as fried rice, pizza, or juices.