What Are Pink Pineapples? (And Other Pineapple Varieties You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
As one of the most versatile fruits out there, pineapples are perfect for enjoying in a variety of forms: fresh, grilled, in smoothies, salsas and fruit salads, or as a topping on pizza with ham and cheese (controversial as pineapple on pizza may be). But did you know there are more than 35 varieties of pineapple in the world? Check out the list below to discover some of the more curious ones, including the increasingly popular pink pineapple.
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What Are Pink Pineapples?
Pink pineapples are simultaneously striking and odd in appearance. After all, if you have only ever purchased pineapples from your local grocery store, you might wonder if someone played a practical joke on you when you cut a slice and see pink flesh. But the FDA says these genetically modified pineapples are “engineered to produce lower levels of enzymes already in conventional pineapple that convert the pink pigment lycopene to the yellow pigment beta carotene.” Del Monte is the only company growing these pale pink pineapples for now. They’re called Pinkglow pineapples and are said to taste sweeter than more commonly purchased grocery varieties.
See more: What Is Yellow Watermelon?
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Crownless Pineapples
Crownless pineapples are receiving a lot of attention these days. Many of their fans say it’s a small tweak with huge benefits. If you’re wondering what on earth a crownless pineapple is, it’s about as simple as it sounds. The crown, or top, of the pineapple is removed before packing and shipping, which frees up transportation space, allowing more pineapples to fit in one cargo box and thereby reducing the carbon footprint of shipping them. Removing the crown is also said to help prevent disease and extend the shelf life of these tasty fruits.
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Baby Pineapples
Baby pineapples are about as cute as they sound. This tiny tropical variety is just as sweet and brilliantly hued as the larger grocery store varieties, but you can easily identify it by its miniature stature. If you have purchased pineapples in the past but struggled to consume them in their entirety before they go bad, baby pineapples may be the perfect solution. They are said to be easier to chop, and as an added bonus, their core is actually edible.
See more: What Are White Strawberries?
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Dwarf Pineapples
If you thought the baby pineapple was small, just wait until you get a look at dwarf pineapples. These little guys are taking the Internet by storm – and for good reason. Unbelievably tiny in size, these ornamental, and notably inedible, pineapples are quite possibly the silliest and most endearing fruits you’ll ever see. It’s worth bearing in mind that dwarf pineapples are designed to decorate with rather than eat. But if you take a fancy to this cultivar, you can find seed packets online for less than $10 and grow them to their full maturity of 2 to 3 inches in the comfort of your own home.
See more: What’s in Season: Pineapple
Our Favorite Pineapple Recipes
No matter which pineapple variety you purchase, the goal is to incorporate it into a tasty dish. Check out a few of our favorite pineapple recipes below.