The crown of the pineapple is a cluster of small leaves. Pineapples are not grown from seed but from the crown, shoots or slips. Today, most pineapples are grown from the crowns. Shoots and slips are another part of the pineapple plant. Pineapple can be eaten fresh or canned.
Fresh pineapple contains an enzyme, bromelin, which breaks down the protein molecules.
For this reason, fresh pineapple cannot be used in gelatin desserts as the bromelin would soften the gelatin structure, but it can be used as a meat tenderizer. This enzyme is destroyed in the canning process. Pineapple does not ripen once it has been picked. Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and contains fiber. Phytochemicals give plants its color, flavor and smell.