Salting a pineapple can enhance its sweetness due to a process called osmosis. Pineapples contain natural sugars, particularly sucrose, glucose, and fructose, which contribute to their sweetness. However, they also contain enzymes called bromelain, which can break down proteins and cause the fruit to taste slightly acidic or tart.

When you sprinkle salt on pineapple, the salt draws out some of the excess moisture from the fruit through osmosis. This process helps to reduce the acidity by diluting the concentration of the enzymes responsible for the tart taste. As a result, the overall flavor of the pineapple becomes more balanced, and the natural sweetness becomes more pronounced.

Additionally, salt can enhance our perception of sweetness by suppressing our taste receptors’ sensitivity to bitterness. This effect is why you might find that adding a small amount of salt to sweet dishes, such as chocolate or caramel, can make them taste even sweeter.

So, by sprinkling salt on pineapple, you’re essentially helping to counteract its natural tartness and enhance its inherent sweetness, making for a more enjoyable and flavorful eating experience.