We all snack on pineapple for different reasons: to get in our five-a-day, because we love the taste or for other reasons. But there’s one thing we all have in common.

Our mouths are tingling from it. Eating tropical fruit often gets this odd tingling sensation in our tongues and mouths.

People have been left shocked after discovering why this strange feeling occurs. They have always wondered why (but have never been bothered enough to look it up).

SF Microscopy shared a TikTok video that finally explains why we get that weird pineapple prickle.

The science page analyzed tiny pieces of the food under a microscope to demonstrate its reasoning to its followers.

The voiceover goes on to explain how these seemingly aggressive fruits work. “It’s because we’re being stung by thousands of tiny needles called raphides.”

“These calcium oxalate crystals poke holes in your cell membranes, irritating!”

The creator then showed the “microcosmos” within the pineapple chunks, which resembled “little needles” that stab your mouth and give you that weird, irritated feeling on your tongue after you’ve eaten it.

The science of pineapple “needles”

According to McGill University, these needles are called “raphides” and contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

One theory about raphides and their role in defending against predators is that if the plant is damaged, sap or saliva will trigger the expulsion of these needles, which can then prick the lining of the predator’s oral cavity and cause irritation.

Pineapples have been fighting back when we eat them without us usually realizing it.

The video went viral after getting over 35.9 million views. Pineapple lovers everywhere couldn’t wait to share their reactions to this strange phenomenon.