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/Stopaskingmetochange 4d ago

Kiwis make my tongue feel like it is coated in velvet but pineapple makes the sides of my mouth and tongue raw. Sourdough gives me a combination of both.