International Pineapple Day: Delicious Ways to Celebrate This Tropical Favourite

Celebrate International Pineapple Day with tasty recipe ideas, fascinating pineapple facts and creative ways to enjoy one of the world's most popular tropical fruits.

If there was ever a fruit guaranteed to bring a little sunshine to your day, it's the pineapple. Sweet, juicy and instantly recognisable, this tropical favourite deserves its own celebration, and International Pineapple Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy it in all its delicious forms.

Whether you're slicing it into a fruit salad, grilling it on the barbecue, blending it into a smoothie or enjoying it on top of a homemade pizza (yes, we know that's still a subject of fierce debate!), pineapples are one of the most versatile fruits you can keep in the kitchen.

I used to love pineapple and cheese on a stick, back in the day! And there was a delicatessen that sold cottage cheese with pineapple which I was quite partial to. 

Originally native to South America, pineapples were once considered such a luxury that wealthy families would hire them simply to display at lavish dinner parties. Today they're readily available in supermarkets throughout the UK, making it easy to bring a taste of the tropics to your table.

More than just delicious

Pineapples don't just taste fantastic – they're packed with goodness too. They're an excellent source of vitamin C, helping to support the immune system, while also providing manganese, fibre and antioxidants.

One of their most interesting natural components is bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein. This makes fresh pineapple a popular ingredient in marinades, as it can help tenderise meat while adding a subtle sweetness.

Fantastic ways to enjoy pineapple

International Pineapple Day is the perfect opportunity to experiment with this colourful fruit. Why not try:

Fresh pineapple chunks straight from the fridge on a hot summer's day.

Pineapple and coconut smoothies for a tropical breakfast.

Grilled pineapple served alongside chicken, pork or halloumi.

Pineapple salsa with chilli, coriander and lime to accompany fish.

Homemade upside-down pineapple cake.

Pineapple added to fruit kebabs for the barbecue.

Frozen pineapple pieces blended into a refreshing sorbet.

If you're entertaining friends or family, hollowing out half a pineapple also makes a spectacular natural serving bowl for fruit salads or tropical desserts.

Don't waste the leftovers

Even the tough outer skin and leafy crown don't have to go to waste. Pineapple peel can be simmered to make a fragrant syrup or infused into drinks, while the leafy top can even be rooted in water before planting to grow an attractive houseplant. Although growing a new pineapple takes patience, it's a fun project for children and gardening enthusiasts alike.

A little tropical sunshine

With Britain enjoying warm summer weather, International Pineapple Day arrives at just the right time. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, preparing a picnic or simply looking for a refreshing snack, pineapple brings colour, flavour and a taste of the tropics to every occasion.

So why not pick one up on your next shopping trip and celebrate one of nature's most cheerful fruits? Your taste buds will certainly thank you.

Happy International Pineapple Day from everyone at That's Food and Drink!

International Picnic Day: Delicious Ideas for the Perfect Outdoor Feast

Celebrate International Picnic Day with tasty picnic food ideas, outdoor dining inspiration and tips for creating the perfect summer picnic with family and friends.

Every year on 18 June, people around the world celebrate International Picnic Day, a simple but joyful occasion that encourages us to take our meals outside and enjoy good food in the fresh air.

In an age of busy schedules, constant notifications and meals eaten on the go, there is something wonderfully refreshing about spreading out a blanket, opening a basket of homemade treats and enjoying a leisurely meal outdoors. 

Whether it's a family gathering in a local park, a romantic lunch by a river, or a get-together with friends in the garden, a church picnic, picnics remain one of life's simplest pleasures.

How about a picnic on your back garden? Or in the conservatory or orangery should the weather take a turn to the wet and windy? 

The tradition of picnicking has a surprisingly long history. The word "picnic" is believed to have originated in France during the 17th century, where diners would bring their own food to social gatherings. 

Over time, the idea spread across Europe and became particularly popular in Britain during the Victorian era, when public parks became more accessible and outdoor leisure activities flourished.

Today, picnics are more popular than ever. They offer an affordable way to spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying the beauty of nature. 

They can also be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Some people prepare gourmet spreads with artisan cheeses, charcuterie and chilled sparkling drinks, while others are perfectly happy with sandwiches, sausage rolls and a flask of tea or coffee.

When planning a picnic, food that travels well is key. Classic choices include filled baguettes, Scotch eggs, pork pies, pasta salads, quiches and fresh fruit. Sweet treats such as brownies, flapjacks and homemade cupcakes are also ideal additions. Don't forget plenty of water, especially if you're picnicking on a warm summer day.

International Picnic Day is also a great excuse to explore local parks, nature reserves, beaches and beauty spots that you may not have visited before. Combining good food with a scenic setting can turn an ordinary lunch into a memorable experience.

As more people seek opportunities to slow down and reconnect with family and friends, the humble picnic continues to prove its enduring appeal. It requires little more than good company, tasty food and a patch of grass, yet it creates lasting memories that often outshine far more expensive outings.

This International Picnic Day, why not pack a basket, head outdoors and celebrate one of the most enjoyable ways to eat and socialise?

Easy Smashed Beef Burgers: A Simple Homemade Burger Recipe Anyone Can Make

Learn how to make delicious homemade smashed beef burgers using simple minced beef and a handful of ingredients. Crispy, juicy and ready in minutes.

Few meals are as satisfying as a freshly made smashed beef burger. Crispy around the edges, juicy in the middle and packed with flavour, smashed burgers have become a favourite in kitchens across the UK. 

The good news is that you don't need fancy equipment, expensive ingredients or chef-level skills to make them at home.

This easy smashed beef burger recipe uses simple minced beef and just a handful of everyday ingredients to create restaurant-style burgers in minutes.

Why Smashed Burgers Taste So Good

Unlike traditional thick burgers, smashed burgers are pressed firmly onto a hot cooking surface. This creates maximum contact with the pan, producing a delicious caramelised crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

The result is a burger that is packed with flavour and cooks incredibly quickly.

Ingredients (Makes 4 Burgers)

500g beef mince (15-20% fat works best)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

4 burger buns

4 slices of cheese (optional)

A little vegetable oil

Optional Toppings

Lettuce

Sliced tomato

Red onion

Pickles

Burger sauce

Ketchup

Mustard

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Divide the minced beef into four equal portions. Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Avoid compacting the meat too much as this helps keep the burgers tender.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a heavy frying pan, skillet or griddle over high heat. Add a small amount of oil and allow the pan to become very hot.

If you wish you can cook them in a convection oven using a greased baking tray, flipping them over every several minutes, cooking time 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Smash the Burgers

Place a beef ball into the pan and immediately press it down firmly using a spatula or burger press until it is around 1cm thick.

Season with a little salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook

Cook for approximately two minutes without moving the burger. This allows the crust to develop.

Flip the burger and cook for a further minute. If using cheese, place a slice on top immediately after flipping.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Lightly toast the burger buns in the pan for around 30 seconds until golden.

Step 6: Assemble

Place the burger onto the bun and add your chosen toppings and sauces.

Serve immediately.

Top Tips for Perfect Smashed Burgers

Use beef with a reasonable fat content for maximum flavour.

Make sure the pan is extremely hot before cooking.

Only smash the burger once.

Don't overcrowd the pan.

Serve straight away for the best texture.

A Family Favourite

This easy smashed beef burger recipe proves that great burgers don't have to be complicated. With just minced beef, seasoning and a few simple toppings, you can create a delicious homemade meal that rivals many takeaway burgers.

Whether you're cooking for a quick midweek dinner, a weekend treat or a summer garden gathering, these crispy, juicy smashed beef burgers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

A Taste of Summer: Black Bee Honey's British Summer Honey

For a super taste of summer in a jar, try Black Bee Honey's award-winning British Summer Honey (227g, £6.95 or 1kg tub, £28.50), a multi-floral honey that's sourced during the summer months from apiaries in Somerset, Northamptonshire and Yorkshire. 

Created from a mix of wildflowers, this light golden runny honey has a heady floral flavour and is delicious added to salad dressings, stirred into a hot drink or drizzled on your breakfast, and also features in Black Bee Honey's summer recipes; Summer Vegetable Tacos with Honeyed Apricot Salsa and their Peach and Raspberry Cooler.

Black Bee Honey is a B Corp certified British beekeeper collective founded by beekeepers Paul Webb and Chris Barnes who met in an office 20 years ago but left their design jobs for the rooftops and gardens of London where they cared for over a million bees and went on to establish Black Bee Honey.

Their range of award-winning 'flower to jar' seasonal 100% British honey is produced throughout the year, with each honey reflecting the flavours of its season. All their honeys are fully traceable, with the name of the beekeeper printed on every jar's label. Black Bee Honey also donates 2% of its turnover to the charity Plantlife which goes towards the creation of wildflower meadows, so by purchasing any of their honey you'll be helping bees and other pollinators.

Black Bee Honey is available to buy at www.blackbeehoney.com. Keep updated with Black Bee Honey via @blackbeehoneycompany (Instagram) and @blackbeehoney (X), or visit www.blackbeehoney.com