Have you ever wanted something in your home that reminds you of a tropical vacation? The Sugarloaf Pineapple is the perfect solution! These plants are vibrant and fun, and their fruit is bursting with flavor and freshness.
This colorful fruit will make a great addition to your kitchen! Keep reading to learn all about what makes this variety of pineapple unique.
Characteristics of the Sugarloaf Pineapple
This type of pineapple originated in Hawaii. In fact, it’s often called the Kaua’i Sugarloaf Pineapple because it was originally grown on the island of Kaua’i in Hawaii. Today, this variety of pineapple is still widely available in Hawaii.
In addition, this kind of pineapple is a lot sweeter than the average tangy pineapple. It’s so sweet that you can eat the core if you want to!
The inside of this pineapple is generally white or very light yellow, which distinguishes it from its deep-yellow pineapple cousins.
On average, one pineapple weighs four to six pounds.
Cooking with Sugarloaf Pineapples
Sugarloaf Pineapple is a flavorful inclusion to all types of recipes! Despite its sweet flavor profile, this type of fruit goes well in both sweet and savory dishes.
Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
Pineapple can spice up your dinner plans any night of the week! If you’re looking for a way to level up your main course, try out this recipe for Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry. You’ll have a delicious and filling meal ready to go in less than half an hour!
Grilled Pineapple Butterscotch Sundaes
Everyone knows about pineapple upside-down cake, but pineapple is a fantastic ingredient for all sorts of desserts! If you’re willing to be a little adventurous with how you prepare the pineapple, give this recipe for Grilled Pineapple Butterscotch Sundaes a shot. Whip this up for your next barbecue and impress all your guests!
Bizzy Izzy Highball
If you’re interested in using the juice of a Sugarloaf Pineapple instead, try making this pineapple-flavored cocktail! The Bizzy Izzy Highball features fresh pineapple juice as one of its main ingredients. For a finishing touch, you can use some leftover pieces of pineapple as a garnish. Even though its name is a little silly, your friends and family won’t be laughing when they try this tasty cocktail!
Health Benefits
Pineapple makes a healthy snack and can round out any balanced meal! Its many health benefits make it not only delicious but also good for you.
For example, its natural sugar make it a great alternative to other foods you might have for dessert. It’s a nutritious and filling choice at any time of day, but especially when you’re craving something sweet.
Pineapple is also full of vitamins! The Sugarloaf Pineapple in particular is chock full of manganese, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. Eating this type of pineapple will help you reach the daily amount of vitamins you need.
Can I Grow This at Home?
You can grow your very own Sugarloaf Pineapple, although how you grow it will vary depending on where in the country you live.
If you live in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11-12, you can plant and grow pineapples. Otherwise, you’ll grow your pineapple in a pot.
Planting
Once you have your pineapple plant, you can either keep it growing in the pot it came in or plant it in the ground. Pineapple plants don’t require too much special care, which makes them fun and easy to grow.
Pineapple plants require a lot of sunlight, so try to put them in an area that will receive approximately six to eight hours of sun each day.
Regularly watering your pineapple plant is also essential. Just check the soil every once in a while, and give your plant a drink if the soil is dry.
When they’re done growing, these plants are usually anywhere from three to six feet tall.
Depending on the maturity of the plant, it may take about two to three years for your plant to yield a fully-grown pineapple, so be patient. The results are worth it!
Harvesting and Storage
Once the pineapple is ready to harvest, you can try twisting the fruit away from the base of the plant. If that doesn’t do the trick, use a knife to cut the fruit off from the bottom of the plant.
After your Sugarloaf Pineapple is harvested, you can cut and eat it right away! However, it will only keep in a room-temperature environment for a few days if you do this.
To enjoy your pineapple for as long as possible, cut it up and store it in your fridge or freezer. The fruit will last for about a week when refrigerated, and it will keep in the freezer for up to six months.
Where to Buy Plants
You can purchase Sugarloaf Pineapple plants, usually in one-gallon or three-gallon pots. Sometimes they’re only available for purchase during their peak growing season, which is in mid-to-late summer, so keep your eyes peeled for them online.
Luckily, you can check out one of our favorite online retailers, Fast Growing Trees, where these plants are readily available to purchase.
Where to Buy the Fruit
If you’d rather sit out on the growing process altogether, you can also purchase fully grown pineapples straight from Kaua’i.
FAQ
Does the Sugarloaf Pineapple grow anywhere else besides Hawaii?
Yes! Rwanda, West Africa, certain areas of South America, and southern Florida are just a few other locations where this type of pineapple is grown.
What color is the pineapple before it’s fully grown?
While it’s still flowering, this variety of pineapple can be light red or purple, and the leaves surrounding it are red and green. When the pineapple plant matures a little, it starts to look more like the fruit we all know and love.
Does this pineapple variety have any other names?
This type of pineapple can go by two other names. Its scientific name is the “ananas comosus,” and it’s also known as the “Florida Special” pineapple.
Try a Sugarloaf Pineapple!
Most pineapples are fun to look at and to eat, and the Sugarloaf Pineapple is no exception! Its sweetness and distinctive color is what really makes it stand out from all the rest, though.
If you’re interested in learning about more varieties of pineapple, check out our Pineapple page! Here you’ll find all sorts of useful recipes, facts, and instructions that will help you figure out the best ways to grow and eat all kinds of pineapple.