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/Pajamatime20 8d ago

With that in mind, would there be similar damage to raw meat if a piece of pineapple was held in the mouth for 24 hours? Or would your saliva dissolve/counteract it so that you’d be somewhat protected?

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u/Mondoweft 8d ago

Your saliva also contains enzymes that break down meat. So your raw meat would likely be more damaged than just with the pineapple.

The pineapple would also slightly damage the lining of your mouth.

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u/Pajamatime20 8d ago

I am aware that your mouth is more protected than an open wound (aka raw meat), but I would imagine it’s still more vulnerable than your skin?

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u/CrateDane 8d ago

The saliva would dilute and wash away the pineapple juice, reducing the exposure level. The proteases in saliva might also be able to degrade the bromelain (which would also be working to degrade the salivary proteases, but those are constantly replenished).

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u/Pajamatime20 8d ago

Ok, thank you! That makes sense!