living PNG super fruits
food
THE PERFECT PINEAPPLE Pineapples are common around the world. The fruit and juice are consumed by millions of people every day. Introduced to PNG after 1870, pineapples are grown by more than half of the rural population. It grows mostly in lowland valleys and yields are highest between October and March. Its popularity has seen production for export increase sharply. Research has uncovered a wealth of interesting information on the pineapple. Its high vitamin C content helps boost the immune system and aids iron absorption. Other substances strengthen bones and support digestion. Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, which cannot be made by the body. Therefore a daily supply is needed for good health. Vitamin C is an immune booster because it aids in the production of white blood cells. These defend our bodies from invading viruses and bacteria. Iron absorption is made more efficient by vitamin C. It helps convert it into a form that is easily absorbed. Iron has many functions such as red blood cell production. These cells help in the transport of oxygen around the body. It is also needed to prevent anaemia.
PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE INGREDIENTS 500 g raw shrimp peeled and deveined 2 tablespoons oil or butter 3 cloves garlic minced 1 red chilli finely sliced 1 red pepper ½ small onion chopped ½ teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon curry powder 1 tablespoon sugar 4 cups cooked white rice 1 fresh pineapple whole, cored and chopped 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce ½ cup cashew nuts
Pineapples contain manganese, an important mineral in bone health. Needed only in small amounts, when combined with calcium and other nutrients, manganese strengthens bones and improves their density. Pineapples are renowned for their high bromelain content. This enzyme assists digestion and aids absorption. It eases inflammation and soothes the digestive tract, helping alleviate ailments such as heartburn, dyspepsia, constipation and diarrhoea. These anti-inflammatory properties also reduce joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Bromelain is a natural blood thinner. It can prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of strokes. Frequent fliers can benefit from pineapple consumption because of this.
METHOD Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok. Then fry the garlic and red chilli. Add the shrimp and fry until it is cooked. Remove this mixture from the heat and set aside in a plate. Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Fry the onions, turmeric, curry powder and red pepper together for about 2 minutes. Add the rice and pineapple and stir together well. Then add the fish sauce and soy sauce. Stir-fry for another minute. Add the cashews, the cooked shrimp, garlic and chilli that was set aside. Mix and serve while hot.
90 Paradise – Air Niugini’s in-flight magazine
