While pineapples are typically regarded as a sweet fruit, their high acid content can result in canker sores on the tongue. To counteract the acidity of the pineapple flesh, you must balance the high pH using ingredients that are less acidic. By starting with the right type of pineapple, you can enjoy the sweet fruit while still saving your tongue for other tastes.

Step 1

Select the ripest fruit possible from the grocery store. Ripe pineapples are naturally sweeter and less acidic than those that have not ripened fully on the farm. You can choose a pineapple by selecting one that has a firm and yellow skin and then turning it upside-down. Smell the bottom of the pineapple; it should smell aromatic and sweet. A lack of aroma indicates an unripe pineapple.

Step 2

Slice the pineapple and remove the core, which can be extremely acidic. Cut the bottom and the top from the fruit, then slice the pineapple down the middle. The core is the lighter yellow strip that runs down the center of the fruit. Once finished, rinse the cut pieces you plan to eat to remove some of the acidic juice.

Step 3

Place the pineapple chunks or slices into a large bowl and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt. Salt is highly basic, which counteracts the high pH of the pineapple. Using a small amount of salt won't alter the flavor of the pineapple but make it less acidic so it doesn't burn your tongue. If you're bothered by the idea of salt on your pineapple, soak the slices in salted water and rinse clean before eating.

Step 4

Eat pineapple in small quantities if it tends to irritate your tongue. Your tongue can withstand a small amount of acid, but when you fairly submerge your tongue in acidic pineapple juice it can burn your tongue tissue. Portion the pineapple into small bags of five pieces to avoid overindulging in the fruit.

Step 5

Serve pineapple with something that coats the tongue to provide a protective barrier, such as a yogurt dip. Mix a cup of your favorite yogurt with a cup of whipped cream to create a fluffy fruit dip that helps enhance the flavor of your pineapple while allowing you to indulge without pain.