In this article, we will explore the truth behind pink pineapple. We will discuss its origin and nutritional value. Ready to find out if pink pineapple is real or just a figment of our imagination? Read on.
Pink pineapple has become popular on social media. People are sharing pictures and recipes of this seemingly exotic fruit. This colorful fruit is a trending topic, but many people still wonder if it’s real or just a myth.
Pink pineapple is exactly what it sounds like a pineapple with pink flesh.
On the outside, the pink pineapple looks like a regular pineapple.
It has green leaves and yellow-golden prickly skin.
However, when you slice it open, you’ll see that the insides are a lovely pink hue.
The truth is this pink pineapple is not a natural fruit.
Instead, it is a product of biotechnology, an effort from the produce giant, Del Monte. So, yes, pink pineapples result from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The FDA has approved the sale of these types of pineapples; after all, the pink color is not artificial but a natural pigment.
The fruits are only available in the US and Canada as of this writing.
The pigment that gives these pineapples its iconic color is lycopene.
Lycopene is the same pigment that makes red watermelons, tomatoes, and cranberries.
Note that all pineapples have lycopene.
Their natural yellow color comes from lycopene and beta-carotene, after all.
The thing is, in a traditional pineapple, the ripening process turns most of the lycopene to beta-carotene.
So, scientists modified the enzyme that causes this pigment conversion.
Essentially, they “turned off” this enzyme, so the pineapple stays pink.
Note that this change only affects the flesh, not the fruit’s skin.
That said, if you see pineapples with pink skin on social media, they’re probably not real.
Del Monte markets their pink pineapples as sweeter and juicier than regular pineapples.
As taste is subjective, some people say that it is indeed sweeter.
Some say that the flavor is a cross between pineapple and strawberry or citrus fruit.
Most say they taste like yellow pineapples, but they aren’t as acidic.
You won’t get that unpleasant tingling feeling in your mouth.
The reason behind this difference is that pink pineapples produce less bromelain.
Bromelain is a natural and acidic enzyme that digests protein.
The minute the pineapples hit your tongue, bromelain does its job. It digests the protein there, hence the irritation.
So, the fruit is enticing and unique, which might make you ask how you can grow them at home. The answer is: you cannot.
As mentioned, Del Monte holds the patent for pink pineapples. For this reason, they are the only ones who can produce it.
They grow their Pinkglow pineapples in Costa Rica. This country has the ideal climate and soil conditions for this fruit to thrive.
Del Monte’s Costa Rica farms also produce pineapples with no carbon footprint, “Pineapple Zero.”
While the official Pinkglow website does not mention that pink pineapples have no carbon footprint, the fact that they come from the same place might mean that they are.
Del Monte holds the exclusive agricultural license for this variety of pineapples. Their research and testing are extensive, as it took more than a decade for us to see the very first pink pineapple.
That said, it is understandable that they’ll want to protect their investment. For this reason, they ship the pineapples without the crown. This way, people cannot replant the crown and grow their own fruit.
So, as much as you would want to plant pink pineapples, it is impossible.
Pineapples, in general, are a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin B6.
They also contain dietary fiber and bromelain, an enzyme with potential health benefits.
Pineapples are low in fat and cholesterol and contain natural sugars.
It is also a good manganese, magnesium, copper, and thiamin source.
Pineapples, including pink ones, are also high in fiber and low in fat and sodium.
Lastly, as mentioned, it has more lycopene than other pineapples.
Because of its similar taste to regular pineapples, you can use them as their swap.
Note that your dish will look different in a good way.
Use them to add a pop of color to your desserts. Create your own pink ice cream or sorbet. Add a pink element to your fruit salads with this delightful tropical treat.
Add a twist to your classic pina colada recipe using Pinkglow pineapples. You may also use this pink fruit in other cocktails, such as mojitos, daiquiris, and mimosas.
The Pinkglow pineapple makes a perfect ingredient for smoothies and slushies.
Its lovely hue and sweet taste will make your drink stand out.
Serve some at your next party, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with pineapples.
You may put it on a Hawaiian pizza or an Aloha burger.
Add them to stir-fries, tacos, and fajitas for a sweet touch. You can simply put them in a skewer and grill away!
If you think pineapple salsa cannot get any better, wait until you’ve tried it with pink pineapples. This recipe from Melissa’s Produce has dragon fruit, red onions, and cilantro, among others. It makes a perfect pair for chips, grilled meat, and rice.
You can store pineapples in a cool and dry place where they will stay good for up to 3 days.
If you plan to keep it longer, cut the pineapples into chunks and place them in an airtight container.
Store them in the fridge, and the fruits will be at their best quality for seven days.
Freezing the pineapple chunks is also an option. Frozen pineapples can last for 1-3 months.
Do note that thawing the pineapples will affect their texture. For best results, use the pineapples frozen in cold desserts or smoothies.
The availability and commercialization of these pineapples may vary depending on the region and specific regulations regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Another important thing you should know is those pink pineapples are expensive. People label it a luxury fruit because it costs much more than your regular fresh pineapples.
As of this writing, the Del Monte website lists only two online retailers in the US. Their price ranges from $29 – $40 apiece with an average weight of 3 pounds.
You may also find them in select grocery stores in the US if you do not want to buy them online. Call the stores first to ensure they have the fruits in stock, as there is a limited supply.
In Canada, you can get your Pinkglow pineapples at Costco Wholesale.
Pink pineapples are special because instead of being yellow, they have a lovely shade of pink. They exclusively come straight from Costa Rica. Del Monte Fresh is the only company that produces and sells it. With all this exclusivity, it comes with a higher price tag.
Pink pineapples are not a naturally occurring fruit. However, there have been efforts to develop pink pineapples through genetic modification.
Del Monte first made the pink pineapples available to the public in October 2020. However, the company has been developing it since 2005. This timeline means it took the company around 15 years to craft these unique pineapples.
Pink pineapples are unique genetically modified crops. Del Monte holds the patent for this fruit and produces it in Costa Rica, where the ideal climate and soil conditions exist. Its amazing hue comes from lycopene, the same thing that makes watermelons pink.
Despite its unique color, it tastes similar to yellow. It is just sweeter and not as sour due to its lower bromelain content. That said, you can use it in all dishes that call for pineapples. Its unique color and taste make it a perfect addition to any recipe.
