This Is Everything You Need to Know About Pink Pineapples (Including Where to Find Them)
Updated: Jan. 28, 2022
You can now buy a gorgeous pink pineapple!
Ever since I got my hands on cotton candy grapes for the first time, I’ve been on the lookout for more candy-flavored fruit. When I’m at the grocery store, it’s hard not to find something new in the produce section. The next thing I plan to buy is a Pinkglow pink pineapple!
What Is a Pink Pineapple?
It’s precisely what you’d expect: a pineapple with pink flesh. It turns out this “Jewel of the Jungle” is more complex that meets the eye, though. According to Del Monte, the company that grows Pinkglow pineapples, this colorful fruit is years in the making.
Grown in the South Central region of Costa Rica, these pretty pink creations taste different than regular pineapples. They’re less sour than what you might be used to, as well as juicier and sweeter. They even have some candy-like notes as well—sounds like I’m going to like these quite a bit! You can expect the same great pineapple health benefits, though.
Are Pink Pineapples Natural?
The pink color comes from the presence of lycopene, a natural pigment that occurs in other foods such as watermelon and tomatoes. Del Monte even keeps the leafy crowns of the purchased pineapples so they can continuously regrow their wonder crop. (You can follow the same method to grow a pineapple at home.)
Where to Buy Pink Pineapples
Pinkglow pineapples can be purchased from only two retailers: Melissa’s and Tropical Fruit Box. You may have guessed, but pink pineapples aren’t as cheap as their yellow brethren. Right now, prices are between $30 and $40 a pop, so they’re definitely an investment. This may not be fruit you stock up on to snack on casually, but is definitely the kind of centerpiece that will make the perfect conversation starter for any get-together.
Things to Make with Your Pink Pineapple
Creamy Pineapple Fluff Salad
Guests of all ages will gravitate to this traditional “fluff” salad, chock-full of pineapple, marshmallows and cherry bits. —Janice Hensley, Owingsville, Kentucky
Pina Colada Grilled PineappleDuring a cookout with friends, I forgot about dessert. I had a fresh pineapple and coconut, so I improvised. Now I grill pineapple at every cookout. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
Caramelized Pineapple SundaesWhenever we get a craving for a tropical escape, this super simple recipe whisks us away in no time. Vanilla's nice but drizzling the sauce over salted caramel ice cream and taking a bite is just pure paradise. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Frozen Pineapple-Kiwi PopsKiwi, pineapple, sugar and water are all you need to make these easy, breezy freezer pops.—Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Southwestern Pineapple Pork ChopsThis quick entree will instantly transport you to the Southwest. Salsa plays lively counterpoint to the juicy pineapple-sweetened pork chops.—Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Pineapple Pie with Coconut CreamYou’ll find pineapples and coconuts everywhere in the South Pacific, so we play them up in this creamy cool pineapple pie, dolloped with coconut cream. Divine! —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Grilled Peach & Pineapple SangriaGrill up fresh peaches and pineapple slathered in cinnamon butter and use them to make a refreshing summer sangria. I also like to add slices of grilled lemon and lime to drop in the glass for a citrusy boost of flavor. —Heather King, Frostburg, Maryland
Banana-Pineapple Cream PiesMy mother gave me this simple and delicious recipe years ago. The recipe makes two pies, so it's perfect for a potluck. I've never met anyone who didn't like it! —Robyn Appenzeller, Portsmouth, Virginia
Pineapple Orange CakeThis is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
Pineapple Shrimp Fried RiceMy husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
Creamy Pineapple PieCreamy pineapple pie is a light and refreshing dessert that's quick to make and impressive to serve. This is one of our favorite ways to complete a summer meal. —Sharon Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Pineapple-Ginger Chicken Stir-FryI found the original recipe for this dish on a can of pineapple slices in the 1980s. After making it for a number of years, I lightened the ingredients and adapted it to a quick skillet meal. My family gave it a big thumbs-up, and we've enjoyed it this way ever since! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Tropical Cranberry CobblerThe sunny island flavors of pineapple and orange go so well with the tart cranberries in this dessert. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it a tasty treat. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, MN
Teriyaki Pineapple DrumsticksWe have a large family and throw big parties, so I look for ways to free my husband from the grill. Roasted drumsticks keep everyone happy. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
Frozen Hawaiian PieCool summer pies are one of Mom's specialties. This version offers pineapple, maraschino cherries and walnuts that are folded into a fluffy filling. It's an easy yet tempting no-bake dessert. —Jennifer Mcquillan, Jacksonville, Florida
Cream Cheese-Pineapple PieI've made this pie many times for friends, relatives, guests, church suppers and bazaars, and I'm always getting requests for the recipe. I've lived on farms all my life—we used to have a potato farm on Long Island, and now my son farms his own land and manages mine here in Delaware, growing soybeans and wheat. —Elizabeth Brown, Clayton, Delaware
Hawaiian WafflesI created this waffle recipe to recapture the memorable tropical tastes we enjoyed while visiting Hawaii. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Originally Published: January 28, 2022
