Because even a pineapple has an international day of celebration.

From porcelain pineapple decor, to pineapple prints, pineapple party lights and the occasional pineapple in our wallet, we seem to be inundated by the peculiar fruit. However, what do we really know about the pineapple besides the fact that it’s delicious diced, sliced, juiced, charred or fresh?

Apparently, not a lot, according to research from Pure Gold Pineapples, backed by Monash University. So, to truly celebrate world pineapple day, we thought we’d take a little look and see what us Aussies can learn from the golden sweet staple.

Pineapple Image via Kelsey Curtis

1. Pineapples fight colds. 

A a̶p̶p̶l̶e̶ pineapple a day keeps the doctor away. Pineapples are jam-packed with the anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain, which is a natural fighter against colds and the flu in winter. It helps boost your immunity, lowers inflammation in the body, aids a healthy digestive system by working to break down proteins as well as helping reduce the symptoms of arthritis, sinusitis and sore throats. And, this magical enzyme bromelain can only be sourced from pineapples! Never heard of the enzyme bromelain? Don’t worry, you are not alone. 8 in 10 Aussies have not heard of it either.

2. Aussies don’t rate the pineapple enough.

Well, we guess we can forgive the majority of the population for this one. When Australians were asked about natural remedies or supplements only 2% of participants cited fresh pineapples as a way to improve their immunity (thanks to our new friend enzyme bromelain). The most popular treatment (29%) was awarded to olive leaf and echinacea, followed closely by the intake of garlic, ginger and onions (18%). The only fruit to really rival the pineapple was of course the orange, with 18% of participants praising the sweet citrus for its vitamin C.

3. We should swap our half-time oranges for pineapple.

Who doesn’t remember the sound of the half-time bell, the cracking open of a tupperware container and the scrambling of sticky little fingers pushing quarters of orange into their mouths each weekend? It would be un-Australian if you didn’t. But, it turns out, over 70% of us have been doing it wrong. Nutritionist Joanna Shinewell, spokeswoman for Pure Gold Pineapples, has shared with us that pineapples are actually a better fatigue fighter than oranges as they boast energy-boosting nutrients, manganese, vitamins and sugars – all of which claim back vitality and produce a long and slow energy release. Better yet, one serve of pineapple also contains your daily intake of vitamin C.

So there you have it, a little more insight on the sensational tropical fruit. It doesn’t just belong on a fruit hat or with Spongebob under the sea. So raise a glass (a Piña Colada of course), and let’s say thanks to the humble pineapple this winter.