Dried Pineapple Cubes | Sweetened

Sold in 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

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Ingredients: Dried diced Papaya, Pure cane sugar, Citric Acid.

Ingredient Country of Origin: Thailand

Allergen Declaration Statement: Free from; Gluten, Wheat, Legume Family {Peanuts, Soy beans, lentils, chickpeas, and lupin, beans (kidney, black, pinto, navy, string, fava), and peas (green, split, black-eyed), plus others like mung beans, adzuki, and tamarind}, Tree Nuts {almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, & coconut}, Shellfish aquatic invertebrates (crab, lobster, shrimp, prawns, crayfish), Crustaceans mollusks (clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, squid, octopus, snails), Fish {vertebrates having a backbone} , Sesame, Milk/Dairy, Eggs, Mustard, Sulfur Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging Procedure: Hand Packaged on dedicated Gerbs equipment Johnston, RI.

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Introducing Gerbs Dried Sweetened Pineapple Cubes

SUMMARY & OVERVIEW OF GERBS DRIED PINEAPPLE CUBES

Pineapples, native to South America, thrive in tropical climates and are grown commercially in countries like Costa Rica, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil, but can also be home-grown from crowns in warm, sunny spots. Cultivation involves planting slips or crowns, using ethylene spray to synchronize flowering for commercial harvest, and taking 14-18 months for the first fruit to ripen, with plants often producing multiple crops before being replaced.

Where they grow

• Native Region: Central and South America, the Caribbean.
• Major Producers: Thailand, Costa Rica, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brazil, are leading global producers.
• U.S. Growing Areas: Florida, Hawaii (USDA Zones 11-12).
• Conditions: Require consistently warm, sunny weather and protection from freezing.

How they are cultivated

1. Planting Material: Usually propagated from the crown (top), slips (small shoots), or suckers (shoots from the base) of a mature plant, not seeds.
2. Planting: Crowns or slips are planted in warm soil, often in rows with consistent spacing.
3. Growth Cycle:

• It takes about a year for the plant to mature enough to flower.
• Plants are often sprayed with ethylene (a plant hormone) to induce uniform flowering and ripening, simplifying harvest.
• The fruit develops from many small flowers fusing together, forming one large fruit.
• Total time from planting to first harvest can be 14-18 months.

      4. Harvest: The fruit ripens, and the plant typically produces a few crops before being replaced.

HOW GERBS DRIED PINEAPPLE CUBES ARE MADE

Pineapple processing involves washing, peeling, coring, and slicing, then drying through methods like air drying or tunnel dehydration, often between 55-70°C (130-135°F), to reduce moisture content for preservation, resulting in leathery, chewy pieces with controlled low humidity to prevent spoilage.

Processing Steps (Industrial & Home)

1. Selection & Cleaning: Pineapples are sorted, then washed thoroughly to remove dirt, pesticides, and bacteria, using high-pressure water and cleaning solutions.
2. Peeling & Coring: Automated machines remove the tough outer skin and the inedible core, leaving only the fresh flesh.
3. Slicing/Cutting: The flesh is cut into uniform slices or chunks, typically about 1/2 inch thick, for consistent drying.
4. Pre-Treatment (Optional): Some processes involve heating (blanching) or adding syrups for preservation, while enzyme treatment might be used for juice extraction, though less common for just drying.

Drying Methods

• Dehydrator (Home/Small Scale): Slices are spread on trays and dried at 130-135°F (55-57°C) for 6-18 hours until leathery and dry, but still pliable.
• Tunnel Dehydrators (Industrial): Large-scale operations use dehydrating tunnels, gradually increasing heat (55-70°C) to dry fruits evenly, preventing a hard exterior with a wet inside.
• Vacuum Drying: A faster, advanced method that removes moisture at lower temperatures, retaining better color, texture, and microstructure

Final Steps

• Cooling: After drying, fruit is cooled.
• Conditioning: Fruit is often placed in jars to equalize moisture content.
• Packing: Dried pineapple is packed in sealed bags or containers to prevent moisture absorption, ensuring freshness.

KEY HEALTH BENEFITS of GERBS PINEAPPLE CUBES

Pineapple offers numerous health benefits, acting as a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, fiber, and antioxidants, which collectively boost immunity, aid digestion (thanks to bromelain enzymes), reduce inflammation, support bone and skin health, and may help fight chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Its nutrients also promote healing, improve energy, and protect against infections.

Key Nutritional Highlights

• Vitamin C: High levels support immune function, skin health, and tissue repair.
• Manganese: Essential for bone formation, metabolism, and immune response.
• Fiber: Promotes a healthy gut and helps with satiety.
• Bromelain: An enzyme that aids protein digestion and reduces inflammation and swelling.
• Antioxidants: Flavonoids and polyphenols help neutralize toxins and protect cells.

Health Benefits

• Boosts Immunity: High Vitamin C and antioxidants help fight infections.
• Aids Digestion: Bromelain helps break down proteins and supports gut health.
• Reduces Inflammation: Bromelain and antioxidants help fight inflammation, beneficial for arthritis and injuries.
• Supports Heart Health: Potassium, Vitamin C, and antioxidants may protect the cardiovascular system.
• Promotes Healing: Aids in wound healing and recovery from surgery or exercise.
• May Reduce Chronic Disease Risk: Antioxidants can help lower risks of cancer, heart disease, and eye problems.

HOW TO COOK & INCORPORATE GERBS PINEAPPLE CUBES INTO YOUR DIET

Dried pineapple adds chewy sweetness to snacks, breakfasts, baked goods, and savory dishes like curries or glazes; you can eat it plain, rehydrate it for sauces, mix into trail mixes with nuts/seeds, blend into smoothies, or chop into yogurt, oatmeal, and salads, balancing its concentrated sugar with other ingredients for a healthy, tropical flavor boost.

Cooking & Preparation

• Rehydrate: Soak pieces in hot water or juice for 10-20 minutes to soften for cooking, or simply chop if using in salads/trail mix.
• Bake: Dice and fold into muffin, scone, cookie, or bread batter.
• Blend: Add to smoothies for tropical flavor, or blend with cream cheese for dips.
• Simmer: Create sweet & savory glazes or sauces for meats by simmering chopped pieces with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, or honey.

Incorporation Ideas

• Breakfast: Sprinkle on yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, or blend into smoothies.
• Snacks: Mix with nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits for a healthy trail mix.
• Salads: Toss diced pieces into green salads, chicken salad, or grain bowls for sweet contrast.
• Savory Dishes: Add to stir-fries, curries, or rice pilafs; use as a pizza topping with ham/bacon.
• Desserts: Use as a topping for ice cream, or add to cakes and bars.

Tips for Your Diet

• Portion Control: Dried fruit is calorie-dense; a small handful (20-30g) is a good daily portion.
• Balance: Pair with protein (Gerbs Seeds, yogurt) to balance the sugar and add nutrients.
• Check Sugar: Opt for varieties with no added sugar, which we offer on special request in bulk.

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

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Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!