My sister and I have been watching Yamey, aka 'La Materialista', on 'La Casa De Los Famosos', a reality TV show in Mexico based on 'Big Brother'. She's been making some amazing meals and drinks in the house, one of them being Pera Piña, a popular drink in the Dominican Republic. It's great because you can use the pineapple peel and not have to throw anything away (except the green crown).
The drink consists of Pineapple skins, rice, cinnamon, lime, sugar, vanilla extract and water. The name translates to "Pear Pineapple" because the consistency resembles pear, however there is no pear in the recipe.
Health Benefits
Pineapple skin and its core has so much to offer in terms of healing benefits. Below i've listed 9 reasons you should start drinking this as soon as you can!
Anti-inflammatory Bromelain, a powerful enzyme found in high concentrations in pineapple skin and stems, helps to cut down inflammation in the body. It’s been touted for reducing swelling after surgery or injury, and works as an anti-inflammatory in the sinuses and throughout the body.
Digestive Aid Not only do the peels serve to make digestion smoother, but they’ve also been found to help fight intestinal parasites, constipation, and possibly IBS symptoms. They also build up healthy gut flora.
Immune Booster The high levels of vitamin C in the pineapple and its skin prevent and fight infections. The power of bromelain and vitamin C act as a bacteria fighter, mucus cutter, cough suppressant, wound healer, and overall system booster in the body.
Arthritis and Joint Pain Fighter Here again bromelain works its anti-inflammatory magic in those who have arthritis or joint pain. Mixing up a potion with pineapple peels works directly on the source of the pain.
Vision Beta carotene and vitamin C present in the entire plant aid in battling degenerative eye diseases like glaucoma.
Dental/Bone Strength In addition to fighting inflammation in gums and tissues, pineapple skins have a high manganese content. Manganese helps to grow, strengthen, and repair bones and teeth. In terms of oral health, its vitamin C and astringent properties keep gums clean and healthy.
Anti-Cancer Some early studies have shown that skins’ amounts of manganese, vitamin C, bromelain, and antioxidants have the ability to fight tumors and aid in cancer prevention.
Blood Builder Bromelain helps with preventing blood clots from forming, and the copper content in pineapple juice increase the formation of healthy red blood cells. Bits of potassium helps the blood vessels stay healthy and can counteract large amounts of sodium, enabling the blood pressure to be stable.
Fertility Women who are looking to conceive usually pay close attention to their diet. Bromelain helps with reducing inflammation in the womb which helps create an ideal environment for implantation. Having it warm like a tea or broth can also support healthy fertility and blood circulation.
How to make Pera piña
Wash the pineapple well with some baking soda, lime juice and water, scrub well and rinse. Slice the peels from the pineapple and make sure to leave some of the flesh attached to the peel.
Chop up the pineapple meat into chunks and store in the fridge to snack on (keep 2-3 pieces aside to add to the blender later). You can plant or compost the
Put the peels (and core, optional), rice, cinnamon stick, brown sugar and 2 liters of water in a pot. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and let cook for 40 minutes, or until the rice is soft. Then remove from heat and let cool for about 45 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot and discard. The next step we’re going to do in batches and I recommend you strain into a big pot or a pitcher. Transfer some of the peel, rice, fresh pineapple chunks and water to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture into a pitcher using a fine mesh strainer (or a paint strainer!) and discard any solids leftover. Repeat the blending and straining process with the remaining peels and rice. To the pitcher (or big pot) stir in a few more cups of water. Taste the juice for sweetness. If needed add more brown sugar/water.
Add the juice of 1-2 limes and the vanilla extract and stir. Transfer the pitcher of pera piña to the fridge to chill.
When to serve Pera piña
Pera piña is great served anytime of day. It’s best served chilled or over ice.
Before pouring the juice it’s best to give the pera piña a stir as the juice tends to settle.
Apart from being delicious, Pera piña is refreshing and best of all, not acidic but rather soft on the palate.
Ingredients
Peel from one pineapple washed/scrubbed well with lime juice & baking soda
1 cup white rice
5 whole cloves (optional)
1 cinnamon stick
1 cup brown sugar or date syrup
2 liters water plus 3 cups
Juice of 1-2 limes, to taste
1-2 Tbsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
Put the peels, rice, cloves, cinnamon stick, brown sugar (or date syrup) and 2 liters of water in a pot.
Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat to medium. Cover and let cook for 40 minutes.
Then remove from heat and let cool for about 45 minutes or until rice is soft.
Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot and discard.
Transfer some of the peel, rice and water to a blender and blend until smooth.
Strain the mixture into a pitcher using a fine mesh strainer or a paint strainer and discard any solids leftover.
Repeat the blending and straining process with the remaining peels and rice.
To the pitcher stir in a few more cups of water. Taste the juice for sweetness. If needed add more brown sugar. Add the lime juice and vanilla extract, stir.
Transfer the pitcher of pera piña to the fridge to chill.
Serve chilled over ice. Enjoy!
