Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Why do pineapples make your mouth itchy? 🍍 🍍
Chloe (@tardibabe) brings us into the microscopic world this iconic tropical fruit. Pineapples contain tiny needle-like structures called raphides. These are made of calcium oxalate crystals and can irritate your mouth when you eat them. As you chew, the crystals are released from specialized plant cells (idioblasts) and can poke into the soft tissues inside your mouth.
Pineapples also bring two more factors to the mix: they’re naturally acidic, and they contain bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins. Together, the acidity, enzymes, and sharp crystals can create that familiar tingling or itchy feeling.
Calcium oxalate crystals aren’t unique to pineapples. They show up across a huge range of photosynthetic organisms, from microscopic algae to flowering plants. Plants use them to store calcium and deter herbivores. These crystals can be found in many plant parts, including leaves, roots, stems, and fruits, and they appear in hundreds of plant families.
These crystals have fascinated scientists for centuries. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, often called the father of microscopy, was among the first to observe them in the 1600s. Since then, they’ve been identified not just in plants, but also in soil, rocks, and a wide range of living organisms.
#Science #Microbiology #HiddenWorld #CloseUp #pineapple
Among the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science engages millions of people each year to the wonders of science and technology through interactive exhibitions, digital programs, giant screen productions, and preK – 12 EiE® STEM curricula through the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic experiences as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. Around the world, the Museum is known for digital experiences such as Mission: Mars on Roblox, and traveling exhibitions such as the Science Behind Pixar. Learn more at mos.org
Copyright © 2025. Museum of Science. All rights reserved. This video is owned by the Museum of Science and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without prior written permission from the Museum of Science.
Why do pineapples make your mouth itchy? 🍍 🍍
Chloe (@tardibabe) brings us into the microscopic world this iconic tropical fruit. Pineapples contain tiny needle-like structures called raphides. These are made of calcium oxalate crystals and can irritate your mouth when you eat them. As you chew, the crystals are released from specialized plant cells (idioblasts) and can poke into the soft tissues inside your mouth.
Pineapples also bring two more factors to the mix: they’re naturally acidic, and they contain bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins. Together, the acidity, enzymes, and sharp crystals can create that familiar tingling or itchy feeling.
Calcium oxalate crystals aren’t unique to pineapples. They show up across a huge range of photosynthetic organisms, from microscopic algae to flowering plants. Plants use them to store calcium and deter herbivores. These crystals can be found in many plant parts, including leaves, roots, stems, and fruits, and they appear in hundreds of plant families.
These crystals have fascinated scientists for centuries. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, often called the father of microscopy, was among the first to observe them in the 1600s. Since then, they’ve been identified not just in plants, but also in soil, rocks, and a wide range of living organisms.
#Science #Microbiology #HiddenWorld #CloseUp #pineapple
Among the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science engages millions of people each year to the wonders of science and technology through interactive exhibitions, digital programs, giant screen productions, and preK – 12 EiE® STEM curricula through the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic experiences as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. Around the world, the Museum is known for digital experiences such as Mission: Mars on Roblox, and traveling exhibitions such as the Science Behind Pixar. Learn more at mos.org
Copyright © 2025. Museum of Science. All rights reserved. This video is owned by the Museum of Science and may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used in any manner without prior written permission from the Museum of Science.
