Pineapple
The pineapple (*Ananas comosus*) is a tropical plant in the bromeliad family (*Bromeliaceae*) that produces an edible multiple fruit.
Pineapple is a tropical fruit crop from the bromeliad family. It is native to South America and grown in warm regions globally.
What it is
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a herbaceous perennial in the bromeliad family. It has stiff, spiny leaves and produces a terminal inflorescence that develops into a multiple fruit—a composite of many fused flowers.
Where it comes from
Native to tropical South America, pineapple was cultivated by Indigenous peoples long before European contact. It spread through the Americas and beyond, and is now grown commercially in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
How it's used
The fruit is eaten fresh, canned, or juiced, and used in desserts and savoury dishes. Pineapple also contains bromelain, an enzyme used in food preparation and other applications.
In short
- Tropical bromeliad producing a multiple fruit.
- Native to South America, cultivated for centuries.
- Grown commercially in warm regions worldwide.
- Eaten fresh, canned, as juice; contains bromelain.
Pineapple is widely available in Canada as a fresh, canned, and processed fruit, and it is a common ingredient in Canadian grocery and food-service markets.
Quick questions
What is the scientific name of pineapple?
Is pineapple a single fruit?
Where is pineapple native to?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PineappleSupports: Scientific name, family, native range, and general description
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/pineappleSupports: Taxonomy, native range, and culinary uses
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ananas-comosus/Supports: Growth habit, family, and cultivation characteristics
- University of Florida IFAS — https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG055Supports: Scientific name, family, native origin, and botanical description
- International Tropical Fruits Network — https://www.itfnet.org/v1/2011/11/404/Supports: Commercial importance, CAM photosynthesis, and bromelain
- Naples Botanical Garden — https://www.naplesgarden.org/pineapple-coloring-page-fun-facts/Supports: Flower structure, fruit formation, and pollination