Banana Bread, Or Why I Threw a Tantrum

Medically reviewed by Christiana George Updated Date: June 8, 2023

You know that scene in Julie & Julia when Julie has a meltdown because of aspic? Ha, that was me yesterday, and it wasn’t pretty.

“Why am I baking banana bread right now?” I cried, throwing things at the sink. I knocked over salad dressing instead. “I hate this recipe! I hate this kitchen! I hate the summer!”

“Stop, just stop,” said Chris. He circled me cautiously like an animal trainer. And I was the beast that had gone berserk, leaving a trail of flour and melted butter and ooey gooey banana in my wake. Balsamic vinegar’s pungent odor wafted through the kitchen.

I actually love banana bread, and I was eager to try the Cook’s Illustrated version for which I’d saved four withered bananas in the freezer. In hindsight, I should’ve left them there until September.

I’m also actually okay with our kitchen. Although have I ever complained to you about it before? No? Okay well, it’s very typical as far as New York kitchens go, except smaller. Tinier. More diminutive. It’s about 6 by 8 feet, with no window, no fan. And it’s warm, always warm, like the inside of a locker room. And when the oven’s on, it boils. But other than that, it’s cozy and it’s functional and I like what’s come out of it.

And summer? Well, I can’t say I love it. Of course, remembering what I left behind, I’m thankful that I get to experience it at all. San Francisco summers are lessons in delayed gratification and they’re very bad for morale. My morale improved considerably when I left them behind. Although my morale became very confused when I spent my entire winter south of the hemisphere—in essence, I’ve been living summer for the last year.

I really shouldn’t have turned on the oven.

But, I did. Silly, inexperienced me. I figured I could leave the front door open to let some of the cool air in (did I tell you that the front door opens right into the kitchen? And directly opposite is the bathroom? Yeah, awkward layout). Nope, that just sets off the hallway smoke detectors, which are hypersensitive. That’s a good thing in most cases. Not in this one.

In the end, tiny kitchens and summer heat can’t stop the most committed of bakers from baking. I don’t count myself as one of them. By the time I stuck the loaf in the oven, I’d disavowed baking. Forever. It was only going to be tiramisus and cheesecakes from now on.

45 minutes later, and considerably calmer, I took the banana bread out of the oven and let it cool. I sliced off the end piece and bit into it.

I think America’s Test Kitchen must be my Julia Child.

BANANA BREAD

Makes 1 9-inch loaf
From The New Best Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, coarsely chopped
10 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 very ripe bananas, mashed well
1/4 cup plain yogurt
2 large eggs, beaten lightly
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and walnuts together in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Lightly fold the banana mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Note: Lightly means lightly—the flour starts forming glutens when it’s mixed with water. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 55 minutes. Note: I used a longer, narrower loaf pan, so mine was slightly overdone after 45 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Make sure to wrap it tightly when storing.

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Are Pineapples Acidic? Pineapple and Acid Reflux [Good or Bad]

Health

Aneeza Pervez

Updated Date:
January 5, 2026

Pineapple is a tropical delight enjoyed worldwide for its sweet and tangy flavor. But if you’re prone to acid reflux, you might be wondering, “Are pineapples acidic?”

The short answer is yes. But the relationship between pineapple and acid reflux is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

This article dives deep into the acidity of pineapples, their potential effects on acid reflux, and how you can enjoy this tropical fruit responsibly.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.

This backflow irritates the esophageal lining, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Frequent or severe acid reflux can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a more serious condition.

The Acidity of Pineapples: The pH Factor

pH is a scale that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being the most alkaline. Pineapples typically have a pH between 3.3 and 3.6, making them quite acidic. For comparison:

Food	Approximate pH
Lemon Juice	2.0-2.4
Pineapple	3.3-3.6
Tomatoes	4.3-4.9
Bananas	4.5-5.2
Water	7.0 (Neutral)

This acidity is primarily due to citric acid and other organic acids present in the fruit.

Pineapple and Acid Reflux: The Potential Problems

Because of their acidity, pineapples can potentially trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms in some individuals. The high acid content can irritate the already inflamed esophageal lining.

Bromelain: A Double-Edged Sword

Pineapples contain bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest bromelain may actually help with certain digestive issues. However, in the context of acid reflux, the potential irritating effect of the fruit’s acidity might outweigh the benefits of bromelain for some.

Who is Most Likely to Experience Acid Reflux from Pineapple?

Individuals with pre-existing GERD: Those with a history of frequent or severe acid reflux are more susceptible.
Those with sensitive stomachs: Some people naturally have more sensitive digestive systems.
Eating large quantities of pineapple: Consuming a large amount of pineapple at once can increase the likelihood of experiencing discomfort.
Eating unripe pineapple: Unripe pineapples tend to be even more acidic.

Related to Read: Are Pineapple Juices Acidic

Tips for Enjoying Pineapple with Acid Reflux (If You Can)

If you love pineapple but are concerned about acid reflux, here are some tips:

Eat pineapple in moderation: A small portion is less likely to cause problems than a large serving.
Choose ripe pineapple: Ripe pineapples are generally less acidic than unripe ones.
Eat pineapple with other foods: Combining pineapple with less acidic foods can help buffer its acidity.
Avoid eating pineapple on an empty stomach: Eating it after a meal can help reduce its impact.
Pay attention to your body: If you notice heartburn or other symptoms after eating pineapple, it’s best to avoid it or consume it very sparingly.
Consider taking antacids: If you occasionally want to enjoy pineapple, taking an antacid beforehand may help prevent symptoms.

Author Tip: 7-Day Meal Plan For Gastritis

When to See a Doctor

If you experience frequent or severe acid reflux, regardless of pineapple consumption, it’s essential to consult a doctor. They can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

FAQs

Is pineapple juice bad for acid reflux?

Yes, pineapple juice is also acidic and can have similar effects as eating the fruit itself.

Can pineapple help with digestion?

Bromelain in pineapple can aid in digestion, but this doesn’t negate the potential for acid reflux in susceptible individuals.

Are there any less acidic fruits I can eat instead?

Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew), bananas, and pears are generally less acidic.

Does cooking pineapple reduce its acidity?

Cooking can slightly reduce acidity, but it won’t eliminate it.

Conclusion

Pineapples are indeed acidic, and they can potentially trigger or worsen acid reflux in some people. However, by following the tips outlined in this article, many individuals can still enjoy this delicious fruit in moderation. If you have concerns about acid reflux, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.