Did you know that pineapples have a secret weapon? A popular TikTok scientist recently revealed the shocking truth about why our tongues and mouths tingle after eating this tropical fruit. Brace yourself, because it might make you think twice before taking a bite!

According to the science expert behind the TikTok account SF Microscopy, pineapples have “thousands of tiny needles” that actually stab through the cell membranes in our mouths and tongues as we eat the fruit. These tiny needles cause a tingling sensation, which can feel like small pricks of pain.

The scientist’s TikTok video showcasing this phenomenon went viral, with a whopping 35.8 million views and counting. In the video, they used forceps to handle pineapple slices and then put them under a microscope, revealing the numerous tiny spikes on the fruit.

These spikes, known as raphides, are actually crystals made of calcium oxalate. They puncture the cell membranes in our mouths, causing irritation and the famous tingling sensation. But fear not, this slight discomfort is harmless and temporary.

Although the revelation might make you question whether you want to eat pineapple again, many people, including the scientist, still love this delicious fruit despite its prickly nature. In fact, the raphides serve as a defense mechanism for the plant, deterring insects from eating the fruit and protecting the seeds.

Pineapples are not the only fruit with these tiny spikes. Kiwis, grapes, taro, and yams also contain large amounts of raphides. So, next time you reach for a pineapple or any of these fruits, you’ll now know why that tingling sensation occurs.

The TikTok video sparked a range of reactions. Some people playfully expressed that while they eat their pineapples, it feels like the pineapple is eating them back. Others admitted that they had always assumed they were mildly allergic to pineapples because of the tingling sensation. And of course, there were fans who loved pineapple despite the tingling pain it can cause.

@sf_microscopy

One of my favorite fruits is pineapple, but every time I eat them, my mouth tingles. I read that the fruit contains raphides! Kiwis, grapes, taro, and yams also have large amounts of these crystals. These needles serve as a defensive function against insect herbivors to deter them from eating the plant’s fruits and protect the seeds. The needles work with other chemcial substances, like bromelain in the pineapple, to amplify the effects. #microscope #microbiology #underthemicroscope #microscopy #microcosmos #nature #pineapple #crystals #fyp #fypage #fypシ

♬ Sunshine – WIRA

So, if you’re an adventurous eater or simply a pineapple lover, don’t let the tiny needles scare you away. Embrace the tingling sensation as a reminder of the unique defense mechanisms nature has created for these tropical fruits. Happy eating!