Are There Different Types of Pineapples? An Overview of Pineapple Varieties

With their sweet, tropical flavor and spiky exterior, pineapples are one of the most iconic fruits around. But did you know there are actually dozens of different pineapple varieties?

While the most common type we see in stores is the Smooth Cayenne pineapples come in many sizes shapes, and flavors. From petite Suriname pineapples to mammoth Puerto Rican pines, the pineapple spectrum is wide.

In this article we’ll explore some of the major pineapple varieties grown worldwide and what makes each one unique. Whether you’re looking to expand your fruit palate or simply want to impress friends with pineapple facts read on for an overview of pineapple types!

Popular Pineapple Varieties

There are over 100 named pineapple cultivars, but only some are produced commercially. Here are some of the most popular varieties found around the world:

Smooth Cayenne

The Smooth Cayenne is the variety most often seen in grocery stores and exported globally. Originally from the Caribbean, Smooth Cayennes have:

• Cylindrical shape
• Yellowish-orange skin
• Sharp, medium to large spines
• Juicy, mildly tart yellow flesh
• Weigh 4-10 pounds on average

With their balance of sweetness and acidity, Smooth Cayennes are excellent for eating fresh or canning. Their size also reduces waste compared to smaller varieties.

Red Spanish

Red Spanish pineapples are named for their reddish-orange skin. They are smaller than Smooth Cayennes at 2-4 pounds. Characteristics include:

• Squarish, tapered shape
• Pale yellow, very sweet flesh
• Pleasant aroma
• Smaller core than Smooth Cayennes

While delicious eaten fresh, Red Spanish pineapples also ship well and are excellent for juicing or cooking.

Sugarloaf

As the name suggests Sugarloaf pineapples are exceptionally sweet, with a cone shape and white to pale yellow flesh. They are on the smaller side at 1.5-3 pounds. Other features

• Originated in South America and the Caribbean
• Very tender flesh with low fiber
• Too delicate for commercial shipping

Sugarloafs are best consumed fresh and do not store well after harvesting.

Golden or MD2

Golden pineapples (also called MD2) are a newer hybrid bred for exceptional sweetness. They have a gold rind and flesh along with a high sugar content. Golden pineapples:

• Weigh around 2-4 pounds on average
• Have a cylindrical to square shape
• Are extra juicy and low in acidity
• Ship well while maintaining quality

Queen

Queen Victoria pineapples are small, averaging 1-2.5 pounds. What they lack in size, they make up for in flavor. Queen pineapples feature:

• Conical shape with a curved base
• Deep yellow skin and flesh
• High aroma
• Tender texture with very small core
• Excellent for fresh eating

While delicious, Queens have low yields and do not can or ship as well commercially. They thrive in warm climates like South Africa and Australia.

Rare and Regional Pineapple Varieties

Beyond the major commercial types, there are loads of rare, heirloom pineapple varieties uniquely suited to certain climates. Here is a sample:

• Pernambuco – Conical, pale yellow fruits with a delicate flavor preferred in Brazil
• Kona Sugarloaf – A Hawaiian variant with creamy white, seedless flesh and a small core
• Abacaxi – Extremely sweet and juicy, but far too delicate to transport; found in Central America and Brazil
• Queen Victoria – South Africa’s main cultivar; cold tolerant and with firm, flavory golden flesh
• Singapore Spanish – Once commonly canned and used for juice in Singapore; compact with light orange skin

There are also many ornamental pineapple varieties, like the variegated Ivory Coast, that are more decorative than edible.

How to Pick the Best Pineapple

With so many pineapple types out there, how do you choose the tastiest one? Here are a few tips:

• Pick up the fruit – A ripe pineapple should have a nice weight in your hand. Avoid those that feel unusually light.

• Look it over – Choose pineapples with a fresh, vibrant color and healthy leaves. Avoid fruit with soft spots or bruising.

• Give it a sniff – A ripe, fragrant pineapple has a noticeably sweet aroma at the base. Pass on any with fermented scents.

• Touch the body – Pluck a leaf from the middle. If it comes out easily, the fruit is ripe. Overly firm pineapples are underripe.

• Test the bottom – Press gently near the base. A ready-to-eat pineapple will give slightly but won’t be squishy.

Following these guidelines will help you pick the tastiest pineapple, whether it’s your favorite Smooth Cayenne or an exotic new variety!

The next time you’re shopping for this sweet tropical treat, consider branching out and trying a new pineapple cultivar. From petite Surinam cherries to mammoth Puerto Rican pines, there’s a whole world of diverse flavors awaiting discovery. Just be sure to choose fruit that is fragrant, moderately firm, and heavy for its size.