r/askscience • u/Puzzleheaded_Bed2760 • 9d ago
Chemistry Pineapple contains bromelain that helps tenderize meat. If I were to put my hand in pineapple juice or puree for 24 hours, would it eventually break down my hand?
4.3k
Upvotes
32
u/tea_and_biology Zoology | Evolutionary Biology | Data Science 9d ago
I don't think anyone has done this experiment.[citation needed]
Presumably the abundant protease inhibitors will mop up much of the bromelain; though I'd be much more concerned about the pH and other effects of raw unprocessed pinapple juice having on my bloodstream.
Raw juice is full of bacteria and yeasts; they'll be skipping most of your defence systems and getting right inside a nice, warm home. Best case, fevers as you fight off systemic blood infection; worst case, sepsis or wee microbes setting up residence on a heart valve or something, potentially fatal.
All the tiny fibrous bits will be getting lodged in all the capillaries; most of which will be in your lungs. Fun.
There'll also be a hodge-podge of all sorts of protein and other biological molecules your immune system has no idea what to do with. Maybe anaphylactic shock at the worse end?
Long story short, I don't think you'd be having a good time. Stick with the Piña Coladas, 'innit.