Red Pineapple Plant - Ananas bracteatus - Great Indoors/Out - 5" Pot

Red pineapples are generally smaller than common commercial pineapples and grow on a thick stem that is nestled among curved, elongated, and pointed leaves. The oblong to cylindrical fruit has a waxy, fibrous skin that is covered in downward-facing, red-pink spines, and the fruit connects to a leafy and spiked, variegated green-red crown. Underneath the tough skin, the flesh contains hues of white, yellow, and pink, and is dense and somewhat chewy, encasing a hard, central core. Depending on the climate the fruit is grown in, the flesh can be juicy with a sweet and slightly tangy taste and may or may not contain seeds. Though the plants are mainly considered to be ornamental, in tropical climates with a high amount of rainfall, Red pineapples are edible and are consumed fresh or juiced. Red pineapples are edible but will vary in texture and flavor depending on the climate and amount of water the plant has received during the growing process. The fruit will keep up to five days when stored whole and upside-down to allow sugars to redistribute from base to crown in the refrigerator. Sliced pieces of fruit will keep 1-3 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Today Red pineapples are not commercially grown on a large scale and are predominately found as a specialty, ornamental variety in home gardens. May not have fruit start at various times of the year.