We Never Really Liked Pineapples

We never really cared for pineapple.  Maybe because the only pineapples we knew of were those soaking in cans of corn syrup or attached to a holiday ham.  Yuck!

But now that we live in a country exploding with pineapples, we finally — after all these years — bit into a freshly cut, sweet, juicy pineapple for the very first time.  It could only be described as an explosion of joy!!!  The sweetness is like no other fruit, and far from that sad stuff in a can. Honestly, even the fresh pineapples sold in the US don’t have the amazing taste as the ones from Costa Rica.

When we cut up fresh pineapples every morning for our guests, we can’t help but pop several of those luscious chunks into our mouth along the way.  We wake up in the morning, craving that pineapple goodness.  Needless to say we go through a lot of pineapples at Nature’s Edge.

Pineapples Ripen Quickly

Pineapples become over-ripe quickly.  So early on in our B&B journey, we often found ourselves with too many pineapples that had to be used immediately.  After trial-and-error, Joe perfected a Pineapple-Ginger-Lime Marmalade which we serve on yogurt for breakfast.  The combination of these flavors and the tartness of the yogurt is a real treat for the tastebuds.  Yogurt has never been so heavenly.

The Lifecyle of a Pineapple

Many guests have asked us what happens to the pineapple tops after we serve the pineapples. 

If you twist off the top of a pineapple (the crown), remove some of the lower leaves to expose roots and pop it in the ground, in 12-14 months a bromeliad flower will emerge, and finally at 18-24 months a new pineapple is ready to eat (if we get to it before the wildlife does).  Who knew, right? 

If you want to try this at home. be sure to first soak the crown in a mug of water to stimulate root growth if you don’t already see roots on the base of the crown.

We now have a large garden of pineapples in varying stages of growth.

Healthy Benefits of Pineapples

An interesting thing happened after we started eating pineapple regularly. we started looking — less puffy??  Not that were all that puffy, but our skin started looking tighter.  Our joints seemed more limber.  Could it be the pineapples that were making us … healthier?

If the amazing taste alone wasn’t enough, as an added bonus, we learned that they are loaded with a plethora of healthy benefits, some of which are unique to pineapples.

Of course, they are loaded with Vitamin C and fiber, like most fruit.  But did you know that they are also one of the best sources for Manganese, and one of the only fruit with a high concentrate of Bromelain?

Manganese plays an essential role in how your body metabolizes food, clots blood, and keeps your bones healthy. One cup of pineapple has 100% of your recommended daily intake of manganese.  No other fruit comes close to this distinction.

Bromelain is an enzyme that helps skin and tissue heal.  It’s also known to combat pain and swelling due to its impressive anti-inflammatory properties.  Ah, maybe that’s why our skin looks better!!  It’s also been reported that eating pineapple after surgery will boost wound healing and relieve pain.  Now we know why.

The list of benefits is pretty impressive, and we are delighted to profit from this super food.  But honestly, we eat pineapple simply because – it tastes so darn good!!!

At Nature’s Edge The Jungle Surrounds You

Nature’s Edge is located in the jungle canopies of the Uvita Mountain.

We are 1200 feet above the sea and offer a jungle chic experience like no other.

Many guests have expressed that pictures don’t do us justice and the hotel is more amazing in person.

All rooms offer a jungle view all around you. Additionally, our upper ridge casitas offer partial ocean views and our lower ridge offer mountain and cloud forest views.

Everywhere you look around there will be vast every changing vistas of the jungle, mountains or ocean.

Where Is Nature’s Edge

We are located in The Costa Ballena Region of Costa Rica on The Southern Pacific Side of the country.

The jungle and mountains meet the sea throughout this nature lovers playground.

Nature’s Edge is in the town of Uvita. Marino Ballena National Park and the famous Whales Tail are both located in Uvita.

You are only 1 hour away from Manuel Antonio National Park and 2 1/2 hours away by boat from Corcovado National Park.

So Many Things To Do

The Costa Ballena Region has so much to offer for adventure and nature seekers, here are some of the activities you may want to do while staying with us at Nature’s Edge.

The best part is we can book these for you! Saving you time and allowing you to enjoy your vacation more.

For a full list of available activities visit our adventures sampler page.

Here is a list to wet your appetite for the many things there are to do when you stay at Nature’s Edge.

• Marino Ballena National Park and the Whale’s Tail
• Uvita Waterfall and Butterfly Garden
• Whale Watching
• Nauyaca Falls
• Beach Explorations
• Mangrove Tours
• Surfing
• Kayaking and SUP Tours
• Hiking
• Animal Sanctuary Tour
• Snorkeling
• Coffee, Spice, and Chocolate Tours