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Fresh Pineapple Juice

Also known as Fresh Pineapple Juice (Pure Nigerian)

Fresh Pineapple Juice made from Nigerian pineapples is one of the finest natural juices in the world. Nigerian pineapples — particularly the Smooth Cayenne and local varieties grown in Ogun, Cross River and Plateau States — are celebrated for their extraordinary sweetness, intense tropical fragrance and perfect acid-sugar balance that far surpasses the flavour of pineapples grown in cooler climates.

Fresh Pineapple Juice, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 big fresh ripe pineapple — deeply golden skin, intensely fragrant
  • 2 glasses of cold water
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice — to brighten the flavour
  • A tiny pinch of salt — enhances sweetness
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • A small piece of fresh ginger — optional, for a ginger pineapple version

Method

  1. 01

    Preparing the Pineapple. Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand upright on a cutting board. Cut away the skin from top to bottom in strips. Remove any remaining eyes with the tip of a small knife. Cut the pineapple flesh away from the core and cut into large chunks. Do not discard the core — it contains bromelain and can be included in the blending.

  2. 02

    Blending. Place all pineapple chunks (including the core if desired) in a blender. Add 2 glasses of cold water and the small piece of ginger if using. Blend at high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth.

  3. 03

    Straining. Strain through a fine sieve or muslin cloth, pressing firmly to extract every drop of juice. The juice should be a beautiful golden-amber colour, clear and intensely fragrant.

  4. 04

    Finishing. Add the squeeze of lemon or lime juice and the tiny pinch of salt. Stir well. Taste — add a very small amount of honey only if the pineapple was not fully ripe. A properly ripe Nigerian pineapple needs no added sweetener.

  5. 05

    Serving. Pour over ice in tall clear glasses so the golden colour is visible.

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