Do Pineapples Have Seeds?

Pineapple! It’s one of the most succulent fruits available – and also one of the most confusing! Do they grow on trees like other fruits? Do they have seeds? Do they come from Hawaii? And how the heck do you cut one up with all those prickly parts??

For those who love pineapple and would love to know more about this fascinating fruit, Pittman & Davis proudly presents our Pineapple FAQ in honor of pineapple season:

Is a pineapple a berry?

Well…in a way. Sort of. Actually, a single pineapple consists of many berries that have grown together. So a pineapple’s not actually a single fruit, but what’s known as a collective fruit.

Is pineapple citrus?

Because citrus fruits are tropical fruits (subtropical, specifically), and pineapples are a tropical fruit, there is a common misconception that pineapples are part of the citrus family. But Pineapple is always categorized separately from the citrus family – tropical defines a climate, while citrus is an actual genus of plant species.

Where do pineapples grow?

Many people think “Hawaii” when they think of pineapples. For a long time, pineapples were a symbol of the state, but in truth they aren’t native to the Hawaiian Islands. Though the fruit grows well there (the Hawaiian pineapple industry was once very large), pineapples originate in South America. Today, Costa Rica supplies 75% of the world’s pineapple market.

How do pineapples grow?

This is where the question, “do pineapples have seeds” comes in, and “is there such a thing as a pineapple tree?” The answer to both questions is “no” – in a healthy pineapple plant, the tapered, swordlike leaves can grow up to about 5 feet long. The pineapple fruit grows out of the top of the central stem. When removed, the crown of the pineapple fruit contains small roots. If it’s planted into the ground (or a pot), a new fruit-producing plant will grow.

A pineapple plant flowers only once, and it produces just one pineapple. Then it dies. But before it dies it also produces offspring. Suckers or pups are little plantlets that grow between the leaves of the mature pineapple.

Is pineapple good for you?

The health benefits of pineapple are many! Here are just a few of the many pineapple nutrition facts for a single, one-cup serving of pineapple:

• 131% of the RDI of vitamin C (which supports the immune system)
• 2% of the RDI of vitamin A (supports vision and cell growth)
• 2% of the RDI of calcium (helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth)
• 3% of the RDI of iron (helps muscles store and use oxygen)

Pineapple is also a source of some other important vitamins and minerals, including:

• thiamin
• riboflavin
• vitamin B-6
• folate
• pantothenic acid
• magnesium
• manganese
• potassium
• beta-carotene and other antioxidants

Fresh pineapple is also the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which may help treat chronic inflammation, allergies, osteoarthritis and more health conditions.

How many calories in pineapple?

A single pineapple has a whopping 452 calories! But unless you’re planning to eat an entire pineapple on your own, don’t worry about it – the calories in pineapple chunks are about 82 calories per cup, which is considered a serving size for fruit.

How many carbs in pineapple?

If you’re going by that one-cup serving of cut-up fruit, the number of carbs in pineapple comes out to about 21.65g. As a tropical fruit, pineapple is higher in sugar than other fruits, but it’s also a rich source of thiamin and has anti-inflammatory properties, so in moderation it fits well in a low-carb diet.

What is pineapple good for?

Apart from the many pineapple health benefits, this versatile fruit is great in many dishes, from salads to desserts, from sweet to savory! A few ideas might include:

• Grilled Pineapple – a great, simple snack or side dish.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – a classic dessert!
• Pizza – Hawaiian pizza has become a hit with its chunks of pineapple and ham
• Kabobs – if you have a grill and some meats and veggies, including pineapple
• Pineapple salsa – a great accompaniment for fish!
• Cocktails – pineapple adds sweetness and texture to many alcoholic beverages

How do you cut a pineapple?

If being confused over how to cut a pineapple has kept you from buying a fresh, whole one, take heart – the best way to cut a pineapple is actually pretty easy. You start by slicing off the spiky top of the fruit, then cutting away the outer peel with a sharp knife, following the contours of the pineapple all the way around. This exposes a bunch of dark, scaly bumps called “eyes” – you can cut these away by making V-shaped “trenches” between the lines of eyes, rotating around the pineapple in a spiral pattern. Once you’ve done that, you can slice the pineapple into rounds, spears or chunks.

It takes a bit of time to cut up a pineapple, but believe us – it’s totally worth it. Nothing tastes better than fresh pineapple!