The pineapple, a member of the bromeliad family, is a large, edible fruit. Oil made from this fruit gives foods a pineapple flavor and aroma when fresh pineapple cannot be used. Pineapple oil is also used as an herbal remedy and a moisturizer for the skin or hair. Artificial pineapple oil gives a strong pineapple flavor to a variety of foods.
Pineapple oil can be extracted from the fruit of the pineapple by pressing the fruit or its peels. A system of cold pressing, wherein the pineapple is smashed until oil is released is the most common way for oil to be extracted. The juice and pulp must be removed from the oil before it can be stored and used. Once the fruit and oil are separated, the oil will keep for a number of months without going rancid.
Aside from the oil produced from the fruit of the pineapple plant, there are also artificially produced oils available. Though there is no actual pineapple in this type of oil, the various flavors added to it smell and taste like fresh pineapple. These oils are made from a flavorless or mildly flavored oil such as canola, which is sweetened with flavorings to make it taste like pineapple. Artificial pineapple oil is commonly used as a flavoring in cookies, candies and other sweets. This flavoring is often highly concentrated, so only a small amount needs to be added to give candy or baked goods the flavor of pineapple.
The pineapple flavor of natural oil is not usually as strong as the flavor in artificially flavored oil, but it can still give a mild pineapple fragrance and flavor to foods. The oil can be taken as a supplement and is commonly used as an herbal remedy for bad breath. Pineapple oil is also rich in a number of vitamins, including potassium, vitamin C and a number of B vitamins.
Aside from its uses as a flavoring and as a supplement, pineapple oil is often used as a body oil. It promotes healing and evens out the texture of skin by stimulating the production of collagen. It can provide nutrients to the skin and nails and is safe to use on the entire body.