Pineapple

PINEAPPLE Annas comosus

Intro: Introduced into Far North Queensland in the Bloomfield area, near Cooktown, over 100 years ago.

The pineapple plant is a member of the Bromeliad family. Pineapple juice can be used as a gargle to relieve a sore throat and as an antidote for
seasickness.

History: Originates from Brazil.

Shape: Oval in shape.

Weight/size: Can measure 30cm or more in height.

Colour: Range from green to gold.

Taste: Sweet and juicy.

Buying/storage: When choosing a fruit, look for a clean stem break at the base of the fruit. Does not continue to ripen once picked.

Preparing/serving: Best eaten fresh. Simply cut off the top and bottom and slice into wedges, then eat the flesh away from the skin. Alternatively, the whole fruit may be peeled and then cut.

The flesh can be juiced, frozen or dried. The hollowed out fruit makes an excellent cocktail holder.

Variety: Smooth and Rough Leaf.