Homemade Pineapple

Cook: 20 min

A refreshing homemade pineapple beverage with a tangy lemon flavor, sweetened with sugar and enhanced by pineapple extract, perfect for summer gatherings or tropical-inspired drinks.

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Ingredients

  • 1 gallon peeled zucchini, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (46 oz.) can pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon pineapple extract

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
  2. Pour into jars and process in a hot water bath for 20 minutes or freeze.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture. If you have fresh pineapple, you can blend it into the zucchini for a more authentic taste. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the sugar to 1 cup or substitute with a sugar alternative suitable for canning. Make sure to drain the zucchini thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade pineapple can be enjoyed as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pancakes. It also pairs beautifully with a Creole Salad Dressing for a refreshing salad. Use it as a filling for pastries or mix it into yogurt for a tropical breakfast. Additionally, try using it in barbecue sauces or marinades for a sweet twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store the processed pineapple in sterilized jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and consume within a week. If you choose to freeze, make sure to leave some headspace in the container as the mixture will expand when frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Homemade Pineapple contains roughly 608 calories, with 15g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (308% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and potassium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 585mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

608 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15g 30% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 4% DV
Carbs 148g 54% DV
Fiber 25.5g 91% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 585.3mg 25% DV
Potassium 2346.2mg 50% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.6mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 277.5mg 100% DV
Calcium 196.6mg 15% DV
Iron 4.6mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do if my mixture is too thick?

If your mixture turns out too thick after simmering, simply add a little more pineapple juice or water to loosen it up. Stir well and heat it gently until you achieve the desired consistency. It's important to maintain a balance so that the final texture resembles that of traditional pineapple.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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