Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Pura Vida Part 4!

When I left off on our honeymoon, we were on the Atlantic side getting to know some new friends:





No trip to Costa Rica can be complete without visiting a pineapple plantation. Of all the foods in Costa Rica, we were blown away by the amazingly fresh pineapples. The plantation was really pretty- the dark parts behind me are the fields.







Of course we found a soccer field even on the plantation:




Upon entering the plantation, we were given a presentation on how to pick a ripe pineapple- one of the ways is NOT pulling the leaves:





We learned some guidelines on picking a pineapple-

  • The color of the outside does not determine the ripeness- green pineapples are perfect- the more yellow, the higher the fermentation of the pineapple
  • It should smell fragrant, but not too sweet- too much of a smell means that it has begun the fermentation process
  • The sooner you eat the pineapple, the better
  • Pineapple does not ripen once picked- if you don't intend to eat it, then put it in the fridge to store better

All of these things were myths to me before. We also learned the importance of selecting organic pineapples, for taste and quality. Organic Costa Rican pineapples can be purchased at Whole Foods!

Eat up!

7 comments:

Mari said...

Omg that monkey is so cute!!!

you look great in the pics...you look muy feliz =)

Katie said...

Pineapple is my favorite thing ever - when it's ripe and good! Have a great day!

Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries said...

I've bought Organic Costa Rican pineapples from WF, and I really do taste a difference! Islanders are so lucky to have naturally INCREDIBLE fruit

Yelena said...

Thanks Mari!

I also agree that there is nothing like fresh pineapple.

Naomi(Onefitfoodie) said...

my cousins and aunt and uncle LIVE in costa rica! my uncle owns a coffee company called "Cafe Britt" did you see this coffee there? its all over! anyways LOVE your pics of CR, I miss it dearly but will be goping first week of november bceause one of my cousins is getting married!! you just reminded me of the beautiful country!

Yelena said...

We went to the Britt factory! It was one of my favorite parts of the trip! They have chocolate-covered EVERYTHING and the coffee is amazing!

Your uncle is doing a heck of a job!

Naomi(Onefitfoodie) said...

oh yay you went?!?! thats so awsome!! most people go on the britt tour when they visit costa rica!...keep poppin in my journal I will be doing a cafe britt giveaway soon!!