Pineapple ( Annasi )

Pineapples have exceptional juiciness and a vibrant tropical flavor that balances the tastes of sweet and tart. They are second only to bananas as America"s favorite tropical fruit. Although the season for pineapple runs from March through June, they are available year-round in local markets.

Pineapple, Ananas comosus, belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, from which one of its most important health-promoting compounds, the enzyme bromelain, was named. The Spanish name for pineapple, pina, and the root of its English name, reflects the fruit"s visual similarity to the pine-cone.

Pineapples are a composite of many flowers whose individual fruitlets fuse together around a central core. Each fruitlet can be identified by an "eye," the rough spiny marking on the pineapple"s surface. Pineapples have a wide cylindrical shape, a scaly green, brown or yellow skin and a regal crown of spiny, blue-green leaves and fibrous yellow flesh. The area closer to the base of the fruit has more sugar content and therefore a sweeter taste and more tender texture.


Health Benefits

Regular consumption of pineapples provides protection against Macular Degeneration

Manganese and Thiamine (Vitamin B1) present in ample amounts in the fruit are essential for energy production and antioxidant defenses

Pineapple also provides antioxidant protection and immune support to the body

It also has potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits

Pineapple Strengthens Bones- The fruit has ample amounts of manganese, which is a essential mineral needed by the body to build bones and connective tissues. Including pineapple in one"s daily diet helps develop stronger bones in the young and helps in the strengthening the bones of the elderly

Pineapple is Good for Colds and Coughs- Taking vitamin C, when suffering from cold and cough is often advised by the doctors. Pineapples are a rich source of vitamin C, and are extremely beneficial in suppressing coughs and loosen the mucus.



Pineapple nutrition

Pineapple is high in fiber. Pineapples also contain good amounts of vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and a digestive enzyme called bromelain.

Calories in Pineapple:

1 cup diced fresh pineapple = 76 calories

Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka

Kurunagala , Gampaha , Badhulla , Puttlam , Moneragala , Colombo and Gale.

papaya (Gaslabu / Pappaali)

Generally papaya yields throughout the year. However, month following warm temperature or moisture stress causes skip in production. Papaya is cultivated in Sri Lanka primarily as a home garden crop. However, there is limited extent under commercial scale and this extent is steadily increasing but there is no significant increase in production. The reasons for these reductions may be due to some districts which are infected with virus under wet zone.
Health Benefits of Papayas

Papaya is not only a tasty fruit, but is also a rich source of a number of anti-oxidants such as flaunts, carotenes, Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Folate, fiber, potassium, magnesium, etc. All these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and provide a shield against a number of chronic diseases. Papaya also contains large units of papain, a digestive enzyme. This enzyme is often extracted from the fruit to make anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and analgesic medicines.

Some of the health benefits associated with eating the fruit include:

Papain, present in the fruit aids in the digestion process

If consumed regularly over a period of time, papaya can cure a longstanding problem of constipation

Researchers believe that if the fruit is taken alone for a span of 3 days, it has beneficial tonic effect for the stomach and the intestines

The juice of papaya is believed to cure colon infections and in breaking down pus and mucus

The fruit may also prove beneficial in preventing cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue (ripe papaya)

Prevents nausea; includes morning sickness and motion sickness

The seeds of the fruit have antihelmintic properties for expelling worms, and are often given with honey. Two teaspoons of papaya seeds if chewed and swallowed after each meal have a wonderful effect on the stomach.

Papaya contains ample amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are essential for the proper function of a healthy immune system

Various studies have shown that regular consumption of the fruit provides protection against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eating papaya everyday also promotes lung health and is an ideal fruit for smokers.

Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)

Energy 32.8k cal

Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka

Kurunegala district is the highest producer in the country. Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Gampaha, Galle, Anuradapura, Puttalam, Hambanthota and Badulla districts also have higher extents.

Banana (Keselkan / VaalaiPalam)

A banana is the most unique of all fruit because unlike any fruit it does not come from trees at all but from large plants that are giant herbs and are related to lily and orchid family.

Medicinal Uses of Bananas

Because of their impressive potassium content,bananas are highly recommended by doctors in Sri Lanka. They are helpful in:

Reducing depression
Anemia
Restoring a normal bowel function
Constipation and diarrhea
Eyesight protection
Strengthening the bones
Healthy kidney
Blood pressure
Heart problems
Treating heart-burn
Curing a hangover
Overcoming nervous disorders
Reducing morning sickness
Improving nerve function, and many more.
Nutritive Values (per 100g edible portion)
Major Growing Areas in Sri Lanka

All island except very high cultivation.