Why does my tongue burn after I eat fresh pineapple?

Fresh pineapple makes my world go round. I wish could eat it all the time, every day. Unfortunately, I can never eat as much pineapple as I'd like. Why is this? One reason: it destroys my mouth. read more

With a little bit of research, I found the answer. Pineapple is the only food known to contain bromelain, an enzyme that digests protein. The truth is, pineapple hurts to eat because bromelain is digesting the tender skin inside of your mouth. The pineapple is eating you. read more

Especially if you also notice a discolouration of the surface of the tongue as well as an immediate burning sensation when eating fresh pineapple, you may be experiencing a symptom of Geographic tongue, where the acid content of the pineapple juices irritate the papillae (taste buds). read more

Although the enzyme is present in all parts of the pineapple plant, it's most concentrated in the stem, the hard piece in the middle of the fruit, which is much more fibrous and chewy but still edible. read more