Pineapples contain a flesh-eating enzyme called bromelain that actively digests proteins, meaning that when you eat a pineapple, the fruit is literally trying to eat you back.

A closer look

Pineapples contain a flesh-eating enzyme called bromelain that actively digests proteins, meaning that when you eat a pineapple, the fruit is literally trying to eat you back. The tingling sensation you feel on your tongue and the roof of your mouth is not just a quirky tropical flavor profile, but rather the acidic revenge of a spiky plant breaking down the delicate tissues of your oral cavity. The stomach acids neutralize this enzyme once swallowed, so you easily win the battle in the end, but the localized skirmish in your mouth is entirely real. It serves as a fantastic reminder that nature is fundamentally hostile, and even your refreshing summer smoothie ingredients harbor a deep, enzymatic desire to dissolve your flesh if given half a chance