A sweet, tangy pineapple snack may result in some unpleasant numbness in your mouth, specifically the tongue and lips. Although this feeling can be alarming, it doesn't necessarily signal a pineapple allergy, and may be preventable by properly preparing and ripening the pineapple before eating it.

Brining is a method of salt-based food preservation and a method of seasoning foods. A basic brine features salt and water in specific amounts. Although meats can be brined prior to cooking, vegetables -- including potatoes -- can also be brined to preserve them in a jar or can or to season them prior to a meal.

These days, more and more health professionals are encouraging you to "eat the rainbow." In fact, including foods in your diet of every color -- orange, green, yellow, purple, blue and red -- can help your body function at optimal levels and fight off certain chronic conditions.

First cultivated almost 4,000 years ago, melons smell and taste sweet, provide minimal calories and add color to your meals. And they also provide a range of nutrients that help you stay healthy and feel your best.

Stuffed baked potatoes take considerable time and energy to make. Bake them once to cook the potato, and bake them again to heat the stuffing inside the potato shell, which is usually whipped potatoes, sour cream or plain yogurt, cheese, bacon and seasonings. Fortunately, stuffed baked potatoes freeze well.

Beets come in different colors, from white to dark red. A single beet has only 35 calories and no fat or cholesterol. It provides 2 g of fiber, 1 g of protein, vitamin C, iron, calcium and folate. Beets also clean your blood and aid your liver, according the vegan chef and nutrition consultant Patty Knutson.

Fresh figs are highly perishable, but dried figs are hardy, available year-round and easy to ship and store. You can eat both fresh and dried figs plain, or you can stew figs for a warm, sweet treat that also works well with savory dishes.

Banana plants are herbaceous perennials. They are mostly foliage, with stems made of rolled leaf layers. The plant leaves, which are up to 9 feet long and 2 feet wide, unfurl from these stalks. Banana plants are a common fruit crop. In some areas, gardeners grow them for ornamental reasons.

The gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, includes hundreds of vining plants that produce fruit, or curcurbits -- the most recognizable being pumpkins, winter squash, ornamental miniature squashes, and large gourds that are often hollowed out for birdhouses.

Scientific literature does not clearly define the term “food craving,” but generally means an intense desire for a particular food. Craving a substance like salt or black pepper may indicate a physiological need or nutritional deficiency.

Schnapps refers to an alcoholic beverage that is either potato or grain based, with added flavors. Schnapps originated in Germany, and in the U.S. it is primarily used to create a slew of different mixed drinks. Some common schnapps flavors include peppermint, root beer, peach, cinnamon and apple.

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States, with more than 6.4 billion pounds consumed each year, according to Pacific Lutheran University. If you enjoy eating bananas, but are looking for some variety, consider trying red bananas.