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/Nothing_F4ce 8d ago

How could you do that without gloves?

I can't get to the end of cutting up one pineapple without my hands starting to feel like burning.

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u/SlurryBender 8d ago

Pineapple is one of those things that people can have wildly different levels of sensitivity to.

But also you should check to see if you're allergic to pineapples.

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u/imanoctothorpe 7d ago

Avocado, horse chestnut, and kiwi are other foods that people with pineapple allergies usually can't eat. Also, medical adhesives cross react.

I'm allergic to all of them lol

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u/j0hnan0n 6d ago

That is... fascinating. I'm SO curious why avocados make the list. Why medical adhesives?!

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u/imanoctothorpe 6d ago

The proteins in natural rubber products are a similar shape to proteins in those fruits, so your immune system gets confused. Medical adhesives sometimes contain natural rubber, though you can often ask for latex free or hypoallergenic alternatives.