Pineapple

About
Named for its resemblance to a pine cone. All varieties have bumpy, diamond patterned skins. Slight flavor variations depending on variety, but all are juicy and sweet.
The fruit probably first grew wild in parts of South America and then spread to the Caribbean, where Columbus encountered it. By 1600, early European explorers had carried pineapples as far as China and the Philippine. In the 18th century pineapples were taken to the Hawaiian Islands, eventually becoming the major fruit crop. Hawaiian pineapple producers were the first to can the fruit.

Varieties
Smooth Cayenne: The Smooth Cayenne, a cone-shaped Hawaiian pineapple that weighs three to five pounds, is the most popular (and is considered by many to be the best tasting). It is widely marketed both fresh and canned. Smooth Cayennes for the fresh market are also grown in Mexico and Central America.

Red Spanish: Next in popularity is Red Spanish, which is similar in weight to Smooth Cayenne but has a squarish shape, and a tougher shell that protects it better during shipping. Grown in the Caribbean, most are sold fresh.

Sugar Loaf: Sugar Loaf is a large pineapple - it weighs from 5 to 10 pounds - that is imported from Mexico, mostly in fresh form.

Availability
Year-round.

Nutrition Information:
• Fat and cholesterol free
• Very low sodium
• High in vitamin C
For complete nutritional information, click here.

Additional Information
• Why Eat It - Selection - Storage - Preparation
• From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia