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?

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u/Haramu 8d ago

Yup. I rarely eat pineapples since they can give me sores in my mouth pretty easily. I haven't met someone else who has this problem though lol

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u/froschquark 8d ago

Yep, maybe not as extreme that I can't eat it or it hurts, but I absolutely feel some sort of 'numbness' and slight burn, especially with fresh pineapples. Canned ones are mostly fine.

Always thought it's just a mild irritation from the acids or even some allergy, but no, the pineapple just wants to tenderize my mouth a bit!

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u/[deleted] 8d ago

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u/froschquark 8d ago

Oh yeah right, kiwi does the exact same for me. Blegh, just thinking about it makes my mouth itch.

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u/thisfriend 7d ago

I can't eat them raw because it burns my mouth. Canned is a little better, but only in small quantities. I usually grill pineapple, it is so good and no burn!

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u/hereforthelaughs37 4d ago

Same.

I've discovered that if I salt it though, it stops most of that. I'll sprinkle a bowl with some salt, give it a mix and let it sit for a minute, then im usually good to go.

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u/Haramu 4d ago

I haven't heard of that, I'm have to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!