If you're a fan of sweet spreads, then you've likely come across pineapple preserves. One tablespoon of this delicious jam contains 50 calories, making it a great topping for toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for meats.
Aside from its sweet taste, pineapple preserves also contain some notable nutritional benefits. Each serving size, which is about 19 grams, contains 13 grams of carbohydrates, no fat, 5 milligrams of sodium, and no protein.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about pineapple preserves - from its nutritional content to its cooking versatility.
Calories in Pineapple Preserves
As mentioned earlier, one tablespoon of pineapple preserves contains 50 calories. While this may not seem like a lot initially, keep in mind that most people consume more than just one tablespoon per serving. So, it's important to keep an eye on your portion sizes to avoid overindulging.
Carbohydrates in Pineapple Preserves
Pineapple preserves are a great way to add some sweetness to your morning toast without consuming too many carbs. One tablespoon contains 13 grams of carbohydrates, which is about 4% of the recommended daily intake for the average adult. The majority of these carbs come from sugar, which makes up about 10 grams per serving. This makes pineapple preserves a high sugar food, so it's best to consume in moderation.
Fat content in Pineapple Preserves
One of the perks of consuming pineapple preserves is that it contains no fat. This makes it a great option for those looking for a low-fat sweet spread to include in their breakfast routine.
Sodium in Pineapple Preserves
Pineapple preserves are also a low sodium food, with only 5 milligrams per serving. This makes it a great option for those who are watching their sodium intake. On the flip side, this also means that it may not be the best option for those who need to add more salt to their diet for medical reasons.
Protein in Pineapple Preserves
While pineapple preserves may contain some carbohydrates and sugar, it doesn't contain any protein. This means that it's not the best option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Sugar in Pineapple Preserves
As mentioned earlier, sugar is the primary source of carbohydrates in pineapple preserves. One tablespoon contains about 10 grams of sugar, which makes up most of the total carbohydrate count for the serving size. While there's nothing wrong with consuming sugar in moderation, it's important to be mindful of your intake if you're consuming pineapple preserves on a regular basis. Too much sugar can have negative effects on your health, such as weight gain, inflammation, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
Fiber content in Pineapple Preserves
Unfortunately, pineapple preserves don't contain any fiber. This means that it's not the best option for those looking to increase their fiber intake.
Vitamin C in Pineapple Preserves
One of the benefits of consuming pineapple preserves is that it contains vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. While one tablespoon of pineapple preserves doesn't contain a significant amount of vitamin C, every little bit helps towards achieving your daily recommended intake of this important nutrient.
Preserves vs Jelly: What’s the difference?
You may be wondering, what's the difference between pineapple preserves and pineapple jelly? The main difference lies in the way they're made. Preserves are made by preserving fruit in a sugary syrup, while jelly is made by straining fruit juice and adding sugar and pectin to thicken it. Preserves typically have chunks of fruit in them (like pineapple preserves), while jelly is smooth and firm.
How to use Pineapple Preserves in cooking
Pineapple preserves can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas to get you started: - Spread on toast or biscuits for a sweet breakfast treat - Use as a glaze for meats (like chicken or pork)
“I'm a big believer in monitoring portion sizes and being mindful of the nutritional content of what you're consuming, even when it comes to sweet treats like pineapple preserves.”
5 FAQs About Pineapple Preserves
1. What are pineapple preserves?
Pineapple preserves are a type of sweet spread made from pineapple fruit and sugar. The fruit is cooked down until it is thick and spreadable, creating a delicious topping for toast, pastries, and other baked goods.
2. How are pineapple preserves made?
Pineapple preserves are typically made by combining fresh or canned pineapple, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. The mixture is cooked until the fruit breaks down and the liquid thickens, resulting in a spreadable consistency.
3. What are the nutritional benefits of pineapple preserves?
Pineapple preserves are a good source of vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system. They are also high in antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage caused by free radicals in the body.
4. How can pineapple preserves be used?
Pineapple preserves can be used in a variety of ways, including as a topping for toast, pancakes, waffles, and yogurt. They can also be used in baking recipes, such as pineapple upside-down cake or thumbprint cookies.
5. How many calories are in pineapple preserves?
One tablespoon (19 g) of pineapple preserves contains approximately 50 calories. It is important to be mindful of portion sizes when consuming any type of sweet spread to avoid consuming too many calories.