With winter in full swing in Mzansi, people are finding clever ways to stay warm and dodge those seasonal sniffles. Pineapple tea is quietly becoming a winter favourite – not just for its sweet, tangy taste, but for the health boost it brings with every sip.
Experts say with a few ingredients and a bit of love, you can brew a pot that’s both healing and homely, passed around the table, one steaming cup at a time.
Chef Mokgadi Itsweng, cookbook author and head chef at Lotsha Green Kitchen in Johannesburg, says the key to making pineapple tea starts with soaking the whole pineapple in water with a bit of bicarbonate of soda overnight.
“This helps remove any residue, pesticides, and the waxy coating on the skin,” she explains.
“For me, pineapple skin pairs perfectly with hibiscus flowers and spices. It’s been my go-to remedy for years – it really helps with colds.”
She adds that cloves also work well with pineapple skin as they help detox the body and fight off parasites.
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A sip of strength this winter
Itsweng tells Health For Mzansi that hibiscus and pineapple are rich in vitamin C, making them a great combo during winter.
“You can brew a homely, aromatic, and healing tea using fresh herbs and spices like cloves and cinnamon. It even supports weight loss, whether you enjoy it hot or as an iced tea.
“For an iced version, just strain the tea, add lemon slices and a bit of honey, and you’ve got a healthy, refreshing drink.”
Mokgadi Itsweng
Chef Nonhlanhla Moroenyane, a food activist and cookbook author from Kensington in Johannesburg, says pineapple pairs beautifully with herbs like buchu, ginger and hibiscus for a powerful herbal tea.
“Pineapple helps with colds and flu, and it really enhances the flavour of brewed herbal teas,” she explains.
“We use dates as a natural sweetener; they not only add depth to the taste but also come with their own health benefits. They’re rich in antioxidants and support overall wellness. Pineapple is our thing; we cook with it, and we brew it too,” she says.
“For us, especially as women, pineapple carries healing properties. It supports hormonal balance, helps with bladder infections, benefits the skin, and eases womb-related issues.”
Moroenyane adds that the green crown of the pineapple (the hlabi hlabi part) is surprisingly powerful. “When combined with the right ingredients, it leaves you feeling refreshed and energised.”
Power in pineapple peel
A registered phytotherapist, Dr Sharon Maphaha from Tshwane, Gauteng, says that whether it’s cold or hot, nature quietly offers a solution.
She explains that pineapple peel supports immune health, and the vitamin C and flavonoids it contains help enhance white blood cell activity, which is essential for fighting off infections common during winter.
She adds that it also eases respiratory inflammation, as the enzyme bromelain helps reduce mucus build-up and relieve sinus congestion or bronchial discomfort. A warm infusion made from the peel can provide gentle respiratory support, though the preparation method matters (more on that below).
“The enzyme bromelain helps break down proteins, easing digestion and reducing bloating – a common complaint during the winter season.”
Dr Sharon Maphaha
Pineapple peel also aids digestion during heavy winter meals, she notes.
To get the full benefit from both cold and hot beverages made with pineapple peel, Maphaha suggests alternating between the two.
For example, enjoy a cold-steeped infusion during the day to take advantage of bromelain and vitamin C, and sip on a hot tea at night to tap into the anti-inflammatory flavonoids and antioxidants.
Different ways to prepare your drink
Maphaha shares several ways to prepare pineapple peel tea for health benefits throughout the winter season.
Hot infusion (for flavonoids and warming benefits)
Make a hot infusion by boiling fresh or dried pineapple peel in water with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for 10–15 minutes. This releases flavonoids, minerals, and polyphenols, making it excellent for warming, circulation, and immune support.
Cold Infusion (for bromelain and vitamin C)
Soak clean, fresh pineapple peel in filtered room-temperature water for 6–8 hours. Drink as-is for a refreshing, enzyme-rich tonic.
Fermented peel tonic
Ferment chopped peel with water and a spoonful of brown sugar for 3–5 days. This enhances gut-healing properties and creates a probiotic-rich beverage ideal for immunity and digestion.
Herbs and spices for winter pairing
To enhance the warming and immune-supporting properties of pineapple peel tea, consider adding:
- Ginger: Enhances circulation, supports digestion, and has strong anti-inflammatory effects.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and helps stabilise blood sugar levels
- Cloves: They offer potent antimicrobial benefits.
- Lemon: Enhances the immune-boosting effects of pineapple peel.
“Both fresh and dried pineapple peels can be used, but each method has its nuances,” suggests Maphaha.
- Fresh peels retain more vitamin C and volatile compounds, which are responsible for antimicrobial properties.
- Dried peels are more convenient, especially when dried at low temperatures to preserve enzymes.
Who should be careful?
Maphaha says while pineapple peel is generally safe, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:
- People on blood thinners: Bromelain may mildly thin the blood, so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.
- Pregnant women: Should limit intake, especially in early pregnancy, due to concerns about uterine stimulation.
- Allergies: Anyone with pineapple or latex allergies should avoid it.
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