You are here for the best fresh pineapple substitutes, and that tells me that you had to endure a grave situation being out of fresh pineapple. I get it..we have all been there! Pineapples are highly nutritious and edible fruits used in a variety of recipes. It can be used to make tropical hot dogs or adorn your cottage cheese.
But if the recipe calls for fresh pineapple and you are out of it, what can possibly help you? We are going to talk about exactly that! Some of the best fresh pineapple substitutes are canned pineapple, pineapple extract, pineapple chunks, green apple, and nectarine.
Pineapple is native to tropical and subtropical America but is also cultivated in many parts of the world. It is extremely delicious and flavorful, which comes to us with a gamut of health benefits. It can be used to make desserts and also be added to roasted meat or veggies.
Bet you have at least once been in a situation when you wanted to make a Pineapple smoothie and realized you were out of fresh pineapple. If history repeats, kick it back with the substitutes, I will tell you. Keep reading!
Fresh Pineapple In The Culinary World
Pineapple is a tropical, edible fruit from the bromeliad family initially native to South America. The fruit comprises individual flowers or berries which grow around a central core. Pineapple is usually eaten fresh but can also be eaten fried or grilled. Fresh, unripe pineapple has a sour flavor. When ripened, it has a juicy, sweet flavor.
Fresh pineapple means raw pineapple, which can be used as such. If not available, people resort to canned pineapple. Canned pineapple can replace fresh pineapple, and your recipe can turn out well, but there is a downside. Canned pineapple with added sugar is high in calories and fat.
There are many varieties of fresh pineapple based on the region where they are cultivated, their shape, size, and color. Some of them are Abacaxi pineapple, Queen pineapple, Red Spanish pineapple, Smooth Cayenne pineapple, and Panare pineapple.
Uses of Fresh Pineapple
There is absolutely no compromise regarding the health benefits of consuming fresh pineapple. Foremost of all, fresh pineapple is laden with Vitamin C, Manganese, and other vital nutrients and minerals. It aids in digestion and boosts metabolism. It also contains antioxidants and can resist inflammation.
Fresh Pineapple On The Health Radar | Looking Through The Wellness Telescope
Fresh pineapples may be low in calories but are rich in vital nutrients. They are a good source of antioxidants. They help in proper digestion and boost immunity. They also can prevent the risk of cancer.
In a cup of fresh pineapple (165g), the following values are observed:
Calories | 74 kcal |
Total Fat | 0 g |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Sodium | 2 mg |
Potassium | 206 mg |
Carbohydrates | 19.5 g |
Sugar | 13.7 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Vitamin C | 28 mg |
Calcium | 21 mg |
Thorny and prickly on the outside and sweet on the inside, this versatile fruit can’t be missed at any cost. Yet, you have to be aware of the best alternatives for fresh pineapple if an unfortunate situation arises. Let us discuss them now.
Why Should We Substitute Fresh Pineapple?
Although fresh pineapples are easily available all year round, there might be times when ill luck knocks you, and you find no pineapple in the grocery stores. You can’t leave your recipe hanging in the middle. It is here you need to try out the best fresh pineapple substitutes.
Also, if you are a person or know someone who loves the flavor of pineapple but hates it, you need the help of some good alternatives. The alternatives for pineapple can help you get a close flavor of pineapple without actually using pineapples.
Thorny and prickly on the outside and sweet on the inside, this versatile fruit can’t be missed at any cost. Yet, you have to be aware of the best alternatives for fresh pineapple if an unfortunate situation arises. Let us discuss them now.
10 Best Fresh Pineapple Substitutes
Now that you know everything you need to know about fresh pineapple let us discuss the best substitutes for fresh pineapple. The best ten substitutes for fresh pineapple are the following:
1. Canned Pineapple
Canned pineapple is said to be the best substitute for fresh pineapple. It has the same sweet, acidic flavor as fresh pineapple. It can always be found in a supermarket and is relatively cheap as well. What’s more? It can be stored and used for a year or more.
But be mindful of the fact that it is high in carbs, sugar, and calories, unlike fresh pineapple. Nevertheless, for a quick adjustment, go and grab an ounce of canned pineapple, one of the best fresh pineapple substitutes.
2. Pineapple Extract
Pineapple extract is made using fresh pineapple, alcohol, water, and other flavors. It has a sweet yet tart flavor, very similar to fresh pineapple. That’s why how it ended up in the fresh pineapple substitute section.
This makes it a great substitute for fresh pineapple in smoothies or desserts. You can easily lay your hands on pineapple extract as an alternative if you run out of fresh or canned pineapple.
3. Pineapple Chunks
As you can easily surmise, pineapple chunks are large, cut pieces of fresh pineapples. These are easily available in frozen forms in all grocery stores. They are frozen and cut and hence are different from fresh pineapples texturally.
Pineapple chunks can be used to replace fresh pineapples due to the similarities in flavor. The textural differences make them not fit for substitution in sauces or smoothies.
4. Green Apple
Green apple, otherwise known as Granny Smith apple, is a variety of apples with green-whitish flesh. It has a thick skin, crisp texture, and a sour flavor. Green apple may be less sweet than its counterpart red apple.
But when compared to fresh pineapple, green apple have similar flavor notes, making them good alternatives for fresh pinepple. In fact, they can even be used interchangeably.
5. Nectarine
A cousin of peaches, nectarine is a variety of peach with a glossy texture. It has an intensely sweet and aromatic flavor. It can be used in sweet and savory dishes, like fresh pineapple.
You can replace fresh pineapple with nectarine if sweetness is what you crave. But for a taste akin to that of fresh pineapple, you may have to add kiwis or lime juice to nectarine to use it as a substitute.
6. Oranges
Oranges are a type of citrus fruit widely known for their yummy flavor and health benefits. These have a sweet-tart flavor and are consumed either fresh or crushed as juice.
Oranges are good substitutes for pineapple, considering the sweet-tart flavor they both share. Depending on the nature of the recipe, oranges can be substituted for pineapple either as juice or fruits. You can also try and make orange marmalade using seedless oranges.
7. Mangoes
Another edible stone fruit that you can always get easily is mango. A ripe mango has an incredibly rich sweet flavor and a yummy juicy flesh.
As is the case with nectarines, opt for mangoes as an alternative to fresh pineapple if your focus is just on the sweetness. However, add a spoon of lime juice to mangoes for a tangy flavor and use them in your recipes.
8. Papaya
Papaya is another good substitute for fresh pineapple. It has a sweet taste similar to mangoes and melons. Both papaya and pineapple are abundant in vitamin C. Sweet, ripe papayas can be readily used in fresh pineapple recipes like smoothies, desserts, or salads. Papaya is the perfect addition to a bowl of mixed fruit chaat.
9. Apricots
Apricots are small, yellow-colored fleshy fruits. They have a sweet and tart flavor and are used in jams, sauces, pies, and desserts. These are a good source of antioxidants and help in reducing the risk of obesity, heart diseases, and diabetes.
Pineapples can be substituted with apricots precisely due to the flavor. You can consider replacing fresh pineapple with apricots after adding lime juice to get the authentic flavor of fresh pineapple. You can also whip up some apricot ice cream for an excellent dessert using the leftover apricots.
10. Guava
Guava is a tropical fruit that has a tangy flavor. Its flavor is deemed to be the cross of a strawberry and a pear. There are many varieties of guava – they are available in yellow or pale green color. Ripe guava has a sweet, savory taste.
Guava can be used to substitute for pineapple due to its sweet flavor. The sauce or paste of guava can be used to replace pineapple in desserts and savory dishes.
Short Recap For Fresh Pineapple Substitutes
That must have been an exhaustive read on the best fresh pineapple substitutes, right? Let me make it easy for you to remember the details with the help of some points.
Pineapple-based Substitutes: Canned pineapple, pineapple extract, and pineapple chunks are the best fresh pineapple substitutes based on pineapples.
Fruit-based Substitutes: Green apple, nectarines, mangoes, papaya, apricot, and guava are other fruit-based best fresh pineapple substitutes.
How To Use Fresh Pineapple Substitutes In A Recipe
Fresh Pineapple Substitutes
Ingredients
- Canned Pineapple
- Pineapple Extract
- Pineapple Chunks
- Green Apple
- Nectarine
- Oranges
- Mangoes
- Papaya
- Apricots
- Guava
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and proceed to make the dish according to the recipe.
Final Musings
There you go! The substitutes mentioned above can make your dishes or baked food items yummier and mouth-watering if you know what to add precisely. Consider the individual flavor of these ingredients before adding and making changes according to your preferences. See you, people!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can canned pineapple be substituted for fresh?
Canned pineapple can be substituted for fresh pineapple on an equal ratio.
What can I substitute for pineapple in a cake recipe?
Apple pie filling works best as a substitute for pineapple in a cake recipe.
What can I substitute for pineapple juice in a recipe?
Orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and passion fruit are some of the best juices which can be used to substitute for pineapple juice in a recipe.
What is the substitute pineapple for sweet and sour chicken?
The combination of vinegar and sugar can be used to substitute for pineapple in sweet and sour chicken.
What is the pineapple substitute in carrot cake?
Applesauce is a good pineapple substitute in carrot cake.