[2] Pineapples grow on stalks, from the center of a short, leafy plant that sprouts from the ground, similar to a bush.

[3] Slice the burgundy shell to reveal deep yellow flesh.

[4] Add some yogurt for a luxurious breakfast.

[5] For an affordable experience, try Del Monte Fresh’s Pinkglow® pineapple. We love it! Here’s more about it.

The first crop was harvested last year in China—only 5,000 or so fruits for customers worldwide—and sold out in Asia. This year even fewer are expected, about 3,000.

The highly sought-after Rubyglow® pineapple, now grown in Costa Rica, will be available in the U.S., in very limited quantities, through an exclusive arrangement with our favorite purveyor of specialty produce, Melissa’s.

Under development for 15 years, meticulous cultivation and crossbreeding has produced a rare and unique fruit.

Each Rubyglow takes approximately two years to grow, contributing to its rarity and hefty price, currently $395 (the first year’s harvest was $350).
 
Who pays that much?

 
Even if money is no object and you can afford to eat as many as you can get your hands on, Rubyglow should be enjoyed as is—not in a Piña Colada, tacos al pastor, pineapple fried rice, or pineapple pizza.

Its packaged in a beautiful box (photo #1) which you can keep for years, to continue to relish the memories.

Rubyglow was bred from a classic yellow-fleshed pineapples with conventional shells and the rare Morada variety with a striking ruby-toned shell and rich, citrine-yellow flesh that delivers greater sweetness and minimal acidity.

> With only a few thousand Rubyglows available worldwide, there’s a waitlist. To put yourself on it for the next bath, head to Melissas.com.

There’s more about Rubyglow below, but first:

> The history of pineapple.

> The year’s 10 pineapple holidays are below.

> 15 grilled pineapple recipes.

Note that the pineapple arrives without the crown (photo #1), which is removed and rooted to generate the next crop†.
 
 
THE MORADA PINEAPPLE

Morada is a deep red–skinned pineapple variety cultivated in extremely limited quantities in Costa Rica. It is generally used for breeding rather than for commercial sale.

For 15 years, Del Monte Fresh crossbred Morada with traditional yellow pineapple varieties. The result, Rubyglow, retains the striking, distinctive red burgundy-to-red shell of the Morada but with bright yellow flesh.

The beautiful exterior sets it apart from conventional yellow-green pineapples. The flesh has heightened sweetness as well, due to, among other factors‡, low acidity.

The Morada itself is almost never available to consumers. It’s more of a parent cultivar used in Del Monte’s breeding program.

By the way, in Spanish, morada means purple or violet.
 
 
FOR $29, TRY THE PINKGLOW PINEAPPLE

We love it, and it’s still a very special experience (photo #5).

> Head to Melissas.com.
 
 
THE YEAR’S 10 PINEAPPLE HOLIDAYS

 
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*International Pineapple Day was originally called International Bring Your Pineapple to Work Day. It began as an inside joke on June 27, 2011, when an employee at the tech company Firebase brought a pineapple to work. This tradition grew within the company, with an annual celebration. As word of the celebration spread beyond the company, it began trending on social media and was picked up by holiday websites. It changed its name to the shorter, more general International Pineapple Day, which is now the standard.

†Growing a pineapple from any store-bought fruit is a simple process, although it requires patience, as it can take 2 to 3 years to produce fruit. Rooting the crown can be done in water or directly in soil. If you want to try it, it’s easy to find the process online.

‡While lower acidity makes sweetness more noticeable, true sweetness comes from higher sugar levels (genetics, growing conditions (terroir and the year’s particular weather), ripening, and the aroma compounds that accentuate it.

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