Pineapple Rice

Pineapple Rice

　　Pineapple Rice

　　Pineapples are unlike mangoes — we definitely wouldn’t dare eat an unripe pineapple because it’s numbing and astringent, making it hard to eat. The hungry among us always patiently wait until it turns golden yellow. There are many ways to enjoy pineapples. You can peel the skin and eat it directly; you can also dip it in salt and chili, which results in a strange but sweet, salty, and spicy flavor. But if you don’t want to eat the pineapple as a fruit, then have it as a dish. Peel the pineapple, slice it thinly, stir-fry it with shredded pork in a wok, and sprinkle with cilantro and scallion leaves before serving — give it the fancy name of “Stir-Fried Pork with Pineapple.” Only pork should be used for the shredded meat, or it will ruin the sweet and fresh taste of this dish. Pineapple can also be used as a base for a meal. Hollow out the center of a whole pineapple with its skin still on, stuff it with black rice and water, and steam it — and you’ve got fragrant and sweet Pineapple Rice. It captures the sweetness of Eight-Treasure Rice without the greasiness, making it incredibly refreshing. Out-of-towners especially love this uniquely flavored dish.