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Why does pineapple make your tongue tingle?

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Answer: Enzyme digests mouth proteins

Sugar crystals scratch mouth — Wrong. The tingling is from bromelain enzyme digesting proteins in your mouth, not sugar crystals.

Vitamin C irritates skin — Wrong. Vitamin C adds acidity, but bromelain enzyme is the main cause.

Enzyme digests mouth proteins ✓ — Correct! Pineapple contains bromelain enzyme that breaks down proteins in your tongue, literally digesting your mouth! Cooking destroys it, so canned pineapple doesn't tingle.

Go deeper: Bromelain · Enzyme
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