As a self-proclaimed food blogger, some of my happiest moments stem from experiences with food, so it was no surprise that I was ecstatic when I was offered an amazing opportunity to taste the Pinkglow™ Pineapple by Fresh Del Monte before it is released to the public this year! Below you’ll be able to learn some fun facts about what makes the pineapple pink, how it tastes, and how it is grown. I can’t wait for you all to try it when it releases!
A little history:
Fresh Del Monte has been developing these pink pineapples for over 16 years in the tropics of Costa Rica. These pineapples grow on a select farm in Costa Rica in the South-Central region where the soil and climate is perfect for growing the Pinkglow™ Pineapple.
How is the Pinkglow™ Pineapple grown?
These pineapples are grown and harvested by hand. In order to generate new crops, the crown of the pineapple must be planted. If you purchase the pineapple you’ll receive it without the crown (green leafy part on top)! This is all in effort to reduce waste and produce more pineapples. It takes roughly 20-24 months to grow a pineapple, so you can imagine how much love and care goes into each of these fruits!
Are there any sustainability measures being taken?
As mentioned above, in order to reduce waste and increase production, Fresh Del Monte is currently planting the crown of the Pinkglow™ Pineapple. Fresh Del Monte Produce’s largest pineapple growing operation, Pindeco Pacifico, has been certified by SCS Global Services as carbon neutral meaning they cut more carbon than they emit. Fresh Del Monte Produce has designated nearly 10,000 hectares as protected areas that offset some of the emissions by taking in carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere. Lastly, more than 15% of Fresh Del Monte Produce’s global energy comes from renewable resources!
What makes the pineapple pink?
The Pinkglow™ Pineapples contain lycopene, which is a natural pigment that gives some produce their color (think tomatoes and watermelon). Although the pineapples are grown normally, bioengineering was used to turn off the enzyme that naturally metabolizes lycopene to beta carotene, which is what gives traditional pineapples their familiar yellow pigment. By turning off the enzyme, more lycopene accumulates within the fruit, resulting in a pink-colored pineapple!
What does the Pinkglow™ Pineapple taste like?
Pinkglow™ is super juicy, sweeter, and less sour than a normal pineapple. It has a delicious and unique taste, with notes of candy pineapple aromatics! As someone who loves creating drinks at home, I can attest to the fact that the pink pineapple mojito is delicious and refreshing. The possibilities are endless with how you can use the Pinkglow™ Pineapple and I’ll be excited to see everyone’s creations!
Where can you get a Pinkglow™?
Fresh Del Monte is the only company that grows this pink pineapple variety. Due to low production volume and limited distribution, you can only purchase them on pinkglowpineapple.com when it officially releases. Be sure to visit their Instagram @pinkglowpineapple_ to find out when the launch is!
No Comments